DIVISIONS AMONG the seven universities have resurfaced as the bidding for some €300 million in research grants intensifies.
An international assessment team is in Ireland this week examining the merits of various applications for funding under the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI).
The controversial new Innovation Alliance, established jointly by UCD and Trinity College Dublin, hopes to secure most of the new funding. However, other universities insist all applications for research funding must be evaluated strictly on merit. They say the strong Government backing for the Innovation Alliance must not have any influence in the process.
Yesterday, one senior university figure predicted “all hell would break loose” if there was any “interference” with the assessment team. Traditionally, research grants under the PRTLI programme have been made solely on the basis of assessments by the international team of experts. This is in line with best international practice.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen is an enthusiastic supporter of the Innovation Alliance, which he launched amid much fanfare in March.
But other university heads criticised the secretive talks which led to the alliance. They also expressed concern that the alliance would lead to the creation of a two-speed university structure, with some colleges marginalised.
Essentially, the Government believes the merging of science and technology research functions in the State’s two largest universities will give the third-level system the critical mass it has lacked. The hope is this will generate world-class research and innovation – which could be translated into jobs. Both Trinity and UCD are ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The 10-year-old PRTLI programme has delivered more than €860 million in research funding to Irish colleges. Cycle five of the programme, now under way, will run over five years between 2009 and 2013.
The investment forms part of the Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) – the blueprint for developing research and technological innovation in the Irish economy