Comprising a total investment of €683,677, these awards will support researchers in developing collaborative projects with community organisations and government departments. The projects will address health, social, environmental, and economic challenges in Ireland and beyond.
New Foundations promotes close collaboration between researchers, civic society groups, and policymakers. The programme includes co-funding from a range of Government Departments and agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Irish Aid), Department of Education, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA), Department of Rural and Community Development, and The Heritage Council.
Making the announcement, Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, commented:
“The New Foundations programme exemplifies how research can be a powerful tool for societal change. By supporting collaboration between academic researchers and those working on the frontlines of community development and public policy, we can co-create knowledge that directly benefits people’s lives. We are proud to support these new projects, which will contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable and evidence-informed Ireland.”
Bernal Institute member Robert Lynch has been named among the latest award recipients for his project, “Primary School Outreach through Hands-On Battery Construction for Promotion of Gender Equality in Physics.” Supported by Research Ireland, the initiative brings together the Physics Department at the University of Limerick, in collaboration with physicists at the Technological University of the Shannon.
The partnership aims to foster interest in physics amongst primary school pupils while promoting gender equality through a hands-on electrochemical battery workshops. University undergraduates will visit schools, present themselves as diverse role models encouraging all pupils to pursue physics. During these workshops pupils will build and test non-toxic batteries, learning about physics applications. Questionnaires will be completed to assess the project. Initially targeting 2-3 primary schools, the project seeks to spark interest in science and highlight contributions from both male and female physicists.
As it launches in selected schools, it has the potential to become a leading example of inclusive and impactful science outreach at the primary level.