Research & Innovation

The Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (the Chamber) have opened the call for nominations for the US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards. The Awards, supported by both KPMG and Ulster Bank, will recognise excellence in research innovation that has taken place on the island of Ireland as a result of US foreign direct investment. Awards will be presented in a number of categories including: the Irish operations of a US company; an Irish SME that has links with a US Company and an Irish Higher Education Institute or Research Centre that has collaborated with US companies.

Speaking at the Awards Launch event, Laura Mahoney, CEO of the RIA said: “One of the RIA’s fundamental missions is to identify and encourage excellence in all areas of Irish research. Through our membership and national and international networks, we will convene a panel of experts, across a broad range of disciplines, to ensure that all applications received are rigorously vetted and peer reviewed to the highest international standards. We are delighted to be working with the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland to showcase the outstanding research innovation that is taking place throughout Ireland”

Mark Redmond, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland said; “In the Chamber we see every day the wonderful innovations in US companies, Irish companies and our third and fourth level sectors. It is great to see that the Action Plan for Jobs, just published by the Government, has a clear objective that Ireland is an innovation leader in Europe. We greatly value our partnership with the RIA in celebrating the amazing innovations already taking place here thanks to US investment.”

Shaun Murphy, Managing Partner of KPMG in Ireland said; “Ireland’s prosperity is very closely linked to the level and quality of innovation taking place across the island. At KPMG we support, encourage and applaud the innovation demonstrated by businesses and educational institutions in each of the award categories. We look forward to working in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, the Royal Irish Academy and our fellow sponsor to support and recognise research innovation of the highest standard.”

Eddie Cullen, Managing Director, Corporate and Institutional Banking at Ulster Bank said, “Ulster Bank is delighted to sponsor the US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards. Foreign Direct Investment is a key area for us and our dedicated team works closely with a range of partners, including the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland and the Royal Irish Academy, to support the needs of US firms that are establishing or expanding their operations in Ireland as well as Irish companies establishing a presence in the US. Companies in this space have a great track record in innovation and we look forward to seeing the high-calibre of entries. We hope the awards will promote Ireland as an innovative place to do business as well as supporting the entrants as they develop their businesses.”

– The deadline for nominations is 11 March – all relevant information is available here.