UL’s Dr Shalini Singh discusses her current materials science research and why she’s optimistic about Ireland’s research sector.
Dr Shalini Singh is an associate professor in chemistry in the Department of Chemical Sciences at University of Limerick (UL), as well as being a lead researcher in the Bernal Institute.
In her role as a researcher, Singh leads one of the four research pillars at the Bernal Institute – the pillar of energy storage, efficiency and conversion.
Currently, Singh’s research group is working on integrating machine learning and computational chemistry findings on material discovery with experimental validation to create “new multifunctional materials with sustainable and environmentally benign compositions”.
“For instance, we are focusing on developing compositionally complex and high-entropy material systems for catalysis, batteries and thermoelectric applications,” Singh tells SiliconRepublic.com.
She believes that what makes this work impactful is the team’s ability to bring “theoretically predicted nanocrystalline materials” into reality, which she says is something that was previously only achievable in computer simulations.
“Even more exciting is our success in engineering their phases and compositions to precisely tailor their optoelectronic properties, opening the door to entirely new functionalities and applications,” she says. “This convergence of prediction, synthesis and property control is what makes this research truly transformative.”
Goals and roles
At the core of the research, alongside the acceleration of material science, is an important motivation – sustainability.
Singh explains that growing environmental challenges, combined with the depletion of fossil fuel resources, is highlighting the need for a strategy that ensures materials science is sustainable.
“If I look over the research in inorganic nanocrystals field in the past two decades, we have witnessed remarkable breakthroughs – most notably, the development of highly efficient lead halide perovskites for optoelectronic applications,” she says. “But, it is high time to shift toward designing materials that not only match the structural and functional excellence of perovskites but are also composed of earth-abundant, non-toxic elements.
“The future of material science must be firmly rooted in sustainability.”
As well as her own project focusing on material discovery, Singh is also a member of Ampeire, UL’s centre of battery and energy material research, where she’s part of a team specifically focused on creating innovative materials for energy-related technologies.
With no shortage of research endeavours on her plate, it’s no surprise that Singh is extremely fond of her role as a professor, which she describes as “a dream come true”. However, she explains that her enjoyment extends beyond the research itself.
“The most profoundly rewarding aspect of my work is the opportunity to teach, mentor and guide the next generation of scientists,” she says. “There is something deeply fulfilling about seeing curious, motivated students evolve into thoughtful researchers – pushing boundaries, asking bold questions and working toward real-world solutions.
“Seeing these young minds working toward a sustainable future gives immense joy and satisfaction.”
Ireland’s research
When it comes to Ireland’s research sector, Singh states that it’s gaining momentum, as evidenced by the country’s increasing involvement in Horizon Europe and the quality of Irish research centres.
“If you look at the industry-focused research and investments into academic-industry research collaboration, it is really going in a good direction,” she adds.
Further to Ireland’s advantage, she says, is the range of different funding agencies such as the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency, Enterprise Ireland and, what she’s particularly optimistic about, Research Ireland.
However, there is “still scope to get better”, especially in regard to research fellowships and investment opportunities. When it comes to funding, Singh has had her fair share of struggles.
“Majorly, the funding cycles are short-term,” she says. “They never provide you with security regarding your research directions and always prevent long-term, high-risk, high-reward research.
“We see many talented individuals leaving academia altogether due to instability. The research framework specifically needs to be improved to provide better career pathways for early-career researchers.”
In fact, the number one thing that Singh would love to see implemented in Ireland’s research sector is long-term funding opportunities.
Despite the struggles and challenges, she maintains a positive and optimistic outlook on the future of the Irish research sector.
“I positively believe that the future is bright. The problems that I am discussing here are already identified by Government, research bodies and funding agencies. There is movement,” she says.
“Some actions are slow because there are many stakeholders and layers of complexity involved in creating targeted solutions. But, Ireland is agile and very well-networked.
“The new focus on innovation-led research with inter-sectors and multi-disciplines involvement will bring Ireland ahead of the game.”
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