iCRAG, the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences – funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the European Regional Development Fund and industry partners – today held its inaugural research showcase in the Aviva Stadium. The event, with registrants from industry, state policy partners, geoscientists, engineers and researchers showcased the applied research taking place in the Centre through a comprehensive poster display and select talks. iCRAG 2017 gave attendees the opportunity to hear first-hand from the experts leading the Centre’s groundbreaking research to address the major challenges of energy security, raw materials supply, groundwater protection and safeguarding the geomarine environment.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Iain Stewart, Professor of Geoscience Communication at Plymouth University, who highlighted the role that geologists play as stewards of the planet, and how the next generation of geological researchers can be trained to work with industry towards the attainment of sustainable development goals.
Speaking at the event, Prof. John Walsh, iCRAG Director said, “iCRAG is developing scientific insights and enabling methodologies which address key national and global challenges. Our Centre brings together a team of leading international researchers and industry partners on issues underpinning the sustainable economic development of the country – from de-risking oil and gas exploration, and securing groundwater supplies to the discovery of mineral/aggregate deposits and informing the public on geoscience-related issues.”
Director of Strategy and Communications for Science Foundation Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman, added, “Now entering its third year of operation, iCRAG continues to grow from strength to strength with 140 researchers and over 60 industry partners now on board. As a Science Foundation Ireland funded Research Centre, iCRAG encompasses the broad community of Irish geoscience researchers, industry and state partners in order to champion Irish geoscience priorities across various industries.”
Attendees received an insight into how iCRAG is transforming geoscience research and education in Ireland by driving discovery, delivering economic and social benefit and advancing public understanding of geoscience. Central to the event, were numerous interactive exhibits demonstrating the use of 3D modelling in extending the lifetime of mining in Ireland, core displays for training industry specialists and the use of drones in marine remote sensing.
View photos from the event on the iCRAG Flickr page and watch what our industry partners had to say about working with iCRAG on our YouTube channel.