Why global talent chooses Ireland for Research and Innovation

Over the past two decades, Ireland has become one of the most dynamic environments in Europe for research and innovation.

Once a relatively small research performer, Ireland has developed an effective ecosystem that connects academia, enterprise, government and society.

Sustained public investment, international partnerships and a strong culture of collaboration has put Ireland as a destination of choice for global talent seeking to advance research and turn ideas into real-world impact.

Ireland’s research and innovation capacity has significantly increased since the early 2000s. Annual government funding has risen from less than €250 million at the start of the century to close to €1 billion every year, while total national investment in Research and Innovation exceeded €4.8 billion in 2021.

Universities, technological universities and research institutes across the country now host internationally recognised research centres in areas ranging from digital technologies and health sciences to sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing.

Impact 2030, the national strategy launched in 2022, puts research and innovation at the heart of Ireland’s response to social, economic and environmental challenges.

Built around five pillars, Impact 2030 emphasises the impact of research on society and the economy, excellence in research structures, enterprise innovation, talent development and global collaboration.

Research Ireland

A central objective of Impact 20230 was the establishment of Research Ireland in 2024, a national competitive funding agency bringing together the activities of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council.

Research Ireland supports research and innovation across all disciplines, science and engineering to the arts, humanities and social sciences. Launching their new strategy recently, Curiosity, Capability, Competitiveness – Charting Ireland’s Research and Innovation Future 2026–2030

They lay out ambitious targets to fund 3,800 PhDs and 2,000 postdoctoral fellows to strengthen Ireland’s research talent pipeline, support 14 enhanced Research Centres and pledge to fund 150 Research Ireland awards in partnership with Government departments, targeting societal impact.

Bringing together expertise from across disciplines, Ireland’s research system aims to ensure that technological innovation is complemented by insights from the humanities and social sciences, strengthening the societal impact of research.

In a highly competitive global environment, Research Ireland sets out a framework to retain the best researchers by offering supportive funding programmes, strong research infrastructure and opportunities for international collaboration.

Strong links between research and enterprise

Ireland hosts a large number of multinational companies in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and financial services, many of which collaborate with Irish universities and research centres.

These partnerships allow for research to move more quickly from laboratory to marketplace. Knowledge transfer programmes help researchers commercialise discoveries, while enterprise agencies support start-ups and scale-ups emerging from university research.

For researchers, this close integration between academia and enterprise creates unique opportunities. Scientists and scholars can engage directly with industry partners, ensuring their work has practical applications while benefiting from access to global networks and markets.

Ireland’s size has often been an advantage in building a collaborative research environment. Government agencies, universities, industry partners and community organisations frequently work together across disciplines and sectors.

Both strategies, Impact 2030 and Curiosity, Capability and Competitiveness emphasise the importance of the collaborative model. They encourage engagement between research organisations, policymakers, enterprise and civil society to tackle complex challenges.

Ireland is also deeply integrated into international research networks. Participation in European research programmes and partnerships with institutions worldwide allows researchers based in Ireland to collaborate on global challenges while benefiting from the country’s supportive research environment.

This openness to international collaboration is matched by strong policies to attract global talent. Ireland’s research institutions host researchers from across the world contributing to a vibrant and diverse academic community.

An important component in fostering trust in research, inspiring future innovators and ensuring research addresses societal needs is public engagement.

Events such as Science Week, running for over 30 years and held annually each November, bring science and research to communities across the country through festivals, workshops and public discussions. Celebrating how science shapes everyday life, it encourages people of all ages to explore research and innovation.

Another major event is ESB Science Blast, a nationwide programme that encourages primary school students to investigate scientific questions through hands-on projects. The programme has engaged tens of thousands of young participants, nurturing curiosity and critical thinking from an early age.

The Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, running for over 60 years, has become one of Ireland’s most recognised science events. It showcases student research and inspiring generations of young innovators.

Together, these initiatives reflect a commitment to building a society that values research, creativity and evidence-based thinking.

Ireland’s transformation into a leading location for research and innovation demonstrates a long-term national commitment to knowledge, collaboration and global engagement.

For researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world, Ireland offers something distinctive: a collaborative and outward-looking environment where research excellence, industry partnerships and societal engagement come together. Global talent is not only welcomed, it’s deemed essential to shaping the future of research and innovation.