Geosciences underpins the energy and resources needed to power society and since its establishment in 2015, iCRAG, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre in Applied Geosciences has become a global research leader. Today the Centre launches the iCRAG Impact Report 2015-2020 demonstrating the impacts achieved during its first phase of funding from 2015-2020. The launch takes place at the Centre’s online event iCRAG2021: Resources for a Sustainable Society.
Headquartered at UCD, iCRAG is one of Ireland’s flagship research centres funded by Science Foundation Ireland, industry partners and Geological Survey Ireland. Research areas being led by iCRAG include the development of methods for discovering the materials needed for decarbonisation such as electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines, as well as the sustainable construction materials required for building green infrastructure. The Centre is also developing cutting-edge technologies for the siting of marine renewable energy infrastructure and improved means of monitoring groundwater pollutants.
Launching the iCRAG Impact Report, Prof. Murray Hitzman, Director of iCRAG and SFI Research Professor, said “iCRAG’s carries out innovative, integrated geoscience research to better understand our planet and it’s connection with society. Through our work since 2015 our researchers have helped enable the rapid decarbonisation Ireland requires. Moving forward we are more focused on research that addresses the climate and biodiversity crisis. Our research collaborations with industry partners will play a key role in establishing Ireland as a leader in areas such as offshore wind power and geothermal energy.”
Key highlights from the iCRAG Impact Report include:
- €50.9 million in research funding secured during Phase 1 of iCRAG
- €7.9 million in European research funding won
- Participation of 64 industry partners in research projects
- Publication of over 1,100 academic papers by members of iCRAG’s research team
- Movement of one in five iCRAG researchers to industry as a first destination.
- iCRAG researchers have co-authored papers with international collaborators in 90 countries
Download the iCRAG Impact report below: