The Government must continue to take a long-term strategic view of funding scientific research in Ireland, according to a report published today.
The report, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) from 2001 to 2005, published by Forfás assessed the research agency's performance.
The report recommended grants be based more closely on research excellence adding it was of paramount importance as the basis for making SFI awards.
It also recommended the commercialisation of SFI-funded research through an integrated system built on a foundation of realistic expectations.
The report noted that since 2001 SFI has established over 160 new research groups, 34 of them led by leading scientists who have come to Ireland from laboratories abroad.
Speaking today, Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin said: "This report provides strong confirmation both of the need for SFI and of the contribution it has made, and continues to make, to strengthening our national research system, which is a fundamental building block for the knowledge economy to which we aspire.
"Support for the SFI will continue to be a government priority in future years," he added.
