The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has launched a new research development programme making way for TUS students and staff to power the engine of regional development through its partnership with several European Universities.

On 7 October, the Immersive Research Institute (IRI) was officially launched at the TUS Moylish Campus and signals a boost to research capability in Ireland, while also paving the way for discussion about ethical and fair academic research in Ireland and across Europe.

The Institute is part of RUN-EU (Regional University Network – European University), established in 2020 under the European Universities Initiative as an alliance of seven higher education institutions across Europe, currently integrating eight members. RUN-EU’s goal is to establish a regional development-oriented European University to embody sustainability, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness in its research work.

The RUN-EU initiative is led by TUS and includes Institutes of Higher Education in Austria, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Dr Lisa Moran, Dean of Graduate Studies and Head of the Graduate School, who is the Lead for the Immersive Research Institute, said: 

‘This is a programme to help train students and staff to encourage and make space for world-leading research to take place here which will make a real difference in people’s lives.’

‘The Immersive Research Institute is central to the training and development of researchers across the RUN-EU network. The impact is potentially immense within Europe as it aims to advance the understanding of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, offering innovative training in state-of-the-art research approaches and methodologies to staff and students.’

Dr Moran said the Institute would lead discussions nationally and in Europe regarding open science as well as current trends affecting the higher education landscapes and the conduct of research in Ireland in relation to innovation, enterprise, entrepreneurship, and commercialisation.

Prof Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said: 

‘The launch of the Institute is a great milestone for us here at TUS and we are proud to help lead this initiative. The IRI and RUN-EU team are providing a vital link in enabling researchers based here in Ireland and across Europe to achieve better outcomes for society and enterprise through increased research capability.’

Dr Siobhán Moane, Project Manager of RUN-EU, said: 

‘RUN-IRI aims to develop research-focused as well as innovation-focused training courses for the RUN-EU research community to support their research career development. Within RUN-IRI, the 2000 RUN-EU researchers have the potential to be learners and teachers at the same time. They share their knowledge with the goal of lifelong learning and focus especially on career development in research and innovation. The innovation-oriented staff of the alliance will benefit from the innovation-focused training courses of RUN-IRI.’

The launch featured speakers including Dr Moane, Dr Moran, Dr Patrick Murray, Head of Research and Technology Transfer, TUS, Dr Catherine Conlon, Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin, Dr Anna Bussu, Edge Hill University, UK and Prof Willie Donnelly of the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA).