[dropcap]DCU[/dropcap] and Intel have signed an agreement this week which will see the two organisations collaborate on talent development and advanced technologies, strengthening their long-standing partnership.
The two organisations have now formalised their pre-existing relationship of over two decades by identifying joint areas of interest for greater collaboration in research and innovation, shaping public policy in key areas and ensuring the development of future talent.
Key areas of research activity will push advances in IT technology and Data Analytics for application in areas such as connected health, water quality management and STEM education innovations. The agreement will also see a collaboration of the creative arts and design with technology in the next wave of Irish innovation.
“At Intel we have been proactively developing our advanced manufacturing capability, together with a design, research and innovation footprint in Ireland over the last 27 years. This development has been underpinned by the strong relationships we have built with academic institutions and the innovation community across Ireland,” said Eamonn Sinnott, General Manager of Intel Ireland.
“The signing of this memorandum today signals a new strategic approach to our engagement with DCU which will consolidate and build on our existing relationship and pave the way for exciting new collaborations.”
In a move to secure talent for these future developments, Intel plans to offer 16 Engineering Masters student bursaries each year to a total value of €96,000 in areas such as plasma science, vacuum technology and sustainable energy systems.
Past collaborations between DCU and Intel range from research in the development of plasma diagnostics to improve computer chip manufacturing processes (led at DCU by Professor Miles Turner), to the identification of new materials for integration into future device fabrication protocols.
More recently, DCU’s Smart Stadium project led by Professor Noel O’Connor has used Intel IT technology platforms within Croke Park to enhance fan experience by providing information on player performance metrics, pitch quality, queuing times at refreshment outlets and traffic details to and from the stadium.
Commenting on the new collaboration, DCU President Brian MacCraith said: “DCU is extremely proud of its longstanding links with Intel, one of the great innovators in technology globally. Both organisations are committed to fostering the development of creative talent and our respective research interests intersect and overlap in areas that have the potential to transform lives and societies.”
“We are excited that the formalisation of our relationship today will allow for further opportunities to embrace the creative arts as drivers of the next wave of economic growth in this country.”
News of the partnership came on the same day that outgoing University College of Cork President Michael Murphy claimed that business has too much influence on Irish research agenda.
In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Murphy said industry should have a say in university paths, keeping the latter relevant with the needs of today.
“But we also have to be very careful about the extent to which we permit the business sector to influence the overall agenda,” Murphy said.
“I have a concern at the extent to which the business community has become the dominant voice in the research agenda.”
Hayley Halpin
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