The new Cork-based facility features dedicated spaces for systems prototyping, extended reality research and cybersecurity.
Munster Technological University (MTU) and the Nimbus Research Centre have launched a new Research and Innovation Facility to accelerate advancements in human-centred digital technologies.
The facility, which is based at MTU’s Bishopstown campus in Cork, is designed to enable collaboration between researchers, students and industry partners. It features dedicated spaces for three primary digital disciplines: systems prototyping, extended reality research and cybersecurity.
The facility’s Systems Prototyping Lab will be used to research, develop and prototype end-to-end cyber-physical systems solutions through integrated capabilities across hardware, firmware, software, communications, networking and end-user applications.
While the facility’s Extended Reality Innovation Suite will utilise virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality technologies to research and develop advanced extended reality applications, as well as enhance collaboration with industry.
Lastly, the Cybersecurity Prototyping Lab will utilise cyber range infrastructure to support research into next-generation security solutions, threat management and digital resilience.
MTU president Prof Maggie Cusack welcomed the launch of the new facility, stating that it will be “hugely beneficial” for both the research community and industry partners locally, nationally and internationally.
“This new facility will greatly enhance research and innovation in a number of emerging sectors and help place MTU, the south-west and Ireland at the forefront of digital technologies,” she added.
The new facility’s development was supported by MTU, Cyber Innovate and a strategic partnership between the Nimbus Research Centre and Cyber Explore Research Group, and was co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU through the European Regional Development Fund’s Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
Commenting on the new facility, MTU’s VP of Research and Innovation Prof Hugh McGlynn said: “The fusion of human centricity and advanced technology development highlights our dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital innovation and empowering the next generation of researchers with the skills and technologies essential for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
The Nimbus Research Centre is a research hub linked to MTU’s engineering department that researches areas such as future networks, digital ecosystems, human-centred design, data analytics, virtual worlds and cybersecurity.
In March, MTU announced that it was offering four scholarships for students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering honours programme to honour the accomplishments and legacy of Larry Poland.
Poland, an emeritus fellow and the former head of the university’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, pioneered the development of electronic and computer engineering education in Ireland, introducing the first computer engineering programme in the country more than 50 years ago.
Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.
