Free second level education did it in the 60’s, the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI), launched a decade ago, is doing it now.

At the debate, a British expert on medical ethics congratulated UCC on its “admirable move” in approving the use of embryonic stem-cell research.

350 leading scientific researchers attended a two-day Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Science Summit in Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, on 17 and 18 Nov.

Three new scientific research centres are to be established in Cork and Shannon, which will provide research support for companies located nearby.

The HEA has allocated EUR31.6 million to INSPIRE (Integrated nanoscience platform for Ireland) to improve Ireland’s capability in the field of nanoscience.

Tyndall, a cutting edge research facility at UCC, has partnered with BT to conduct research and development into advanced optical networks.

Professor Colm Kenny, lecturer at Dublin City University, found the text inside a larger volume, where it had lain undiscovered for almost 200 years.

Investment in this area is now nine times what it was in 2000 and the Research and Development tax credit has been further increased.

In outlining the Budget measures, Minister Batt O’Keeffe called on the education partners to “work with him in collectively meeting challenges”.

Dr Diarmuid O’Donovan, Senior Lecturer in Social and Preventive Medicine at NUI Galway, has been awarded two prizes by the British Medical Association for his book, The Atlas of Health.

The Irish Universities Quality Board conference aims to bring together key practitioners and policy makers concerned with quality in higher education.

Harvard graduate Dr. Sean Rowland has been shortlisted for the Ernst and Young 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, for his work with Hibernia College.

IRCSET has announced offers of EUR10.8m research funding to 150 candidates under its Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme 2008.

Minister Micheal Martin has announced the appointment of Dr. Rita Colwell and Mr. Tom Boland to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).

“All in the garden of Irish higher education is most definitely not rosy, particularly when looked at in the cold light of global comparisons.”

170 new research positions will be created, existing infrastructure will be upgraded, and new laboratories and a new incubation centre will be provided.

Dublin City University (DCU) has signed an agreement establishing new links with one college and strengthening existing links with two others.

A programme which offers teachers places on research projects in third level colleges has been announced by Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The Naughton Institute - a new state of the art centre for nano science - was officially opened on 23 January 2008 at Trinity College Dublin.

The Higher Education sector is facing significant global challenges in the absence of a clear national strategy, according to a survey launched by Prospectus, a leading independent strategy consultancy.