RESEARCH: DURING THE boom years, Ireland witnessed a blitz of building. As well as the supermarkets and housing estates we were also investing in research infrastructure, constructing and kitting out labs.
We also enticed researchers – many of whom had trained here but had to leave due to under-investment – from around the world back to Ireland. When they came home, they brought not only expertise to the new buildings but also networks of contacts and collaborators.
A decade on, it’s time to build on that biomedical research groundwork. We need to reflect and build on what has been achieved, to strengthen those areas where Irish researchers have demonstrated ability to compete on the international stage – such as gastrointestinal disease and immunology – and to convert good ideas into the products and services that are the economic tangibles of State investment and the foundation of future enterprises, especially indigenous companies.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Ireland can be an island where innovation flourishes rather than flounders - The Irish Times - Fri, Aug 27, 2010
Author: Ivan Coulter
