Prof Kevin Ryan, University of Limerick’s new VP of research and innovation, talks about the impact their work has on the industry base in Ireland.
A week-long series of events at the University of Limerick (UL) is set to showcase more than two dozen of the latest research activities carried out at the university.
Running from 28 April to 2 May, the Research Week will touch on a variety of ongoing scientific activities at UL, from developments in battery research, to the relation between serotonin and cancer and how music supports perinatal wellbeing.
“At UL, we are constantly pushing the boundaries, creating new discoveries and innovations, and it is all for the greater good,” said Prof Kevin Ryan, UL’s recently appointed VP of research and innovation.
Speaking to SiliconRepublic.com, Ryan explained that he oversees all the research activities at the University.
“What we want to do is generate new innovations, new discoveries that will have maximum impact internationally, globally and for our industry base in the mid-west region [of Ireland].”
One of UL’s research groups is developing new materials that can replace the existing ones in lithium-ion batteries.
“The research we work on in battery materials has a very direct, real impact, particularly in electric vehicles,” Ryan said.
“It’s a big transition at the moment from internal combustion engines to EVs because we’re looking at more sustainable materials, we’re looking at safer materials and we’re looking at materials that have higher energy density.”
According to Ryan, one of the biggest challenges in the research field is talent maintenance. However, strong talent retention and output is key for a healthy economy.
“Having a very strong PhD base and a strong PhD output is actually one of the key economic indicators for a country,” he said. Although, addressing these challenges requires higher level of investments.
Ireland is still behind other European countries when it comes to funding towards research, Ryan said – output from which would produce a five-fold return on investment.
“We need to look at the percentage of gross national product that’s put into research in Ireland. Compared to other European countries, it is low. So, I think there’s an opportunity there to grow that out.”
To find out about the events happening at UL this week, visit the UL website.
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