DCU to co-lead new €120 million national research centre for data and AI
Central to this national investment is Rinn Artificial Intelligence, the National Research Centre for AI and Data Science. With a dedicated budget in excess of €120 million, the centre will be co-led by Dublin City University, University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and University College Dublin.
Professor Noel O’Connor of the DCU School of Electronic Engineering has been appointed Director of Rinn Artificial Intelligence. Professor Tomás Ward from the School of Computing and Professor Jane Suiter from the School of Communications will be the DCU institutional lead academics.
Beyond the ‘Black Box’: A Societal Synthesis
Rinn AI is set to succeed the internationally recognised Insight and ADAPT centres, evolving their legacy and bringing on new competencies into a next-generation national centre of excellence in AI research. Unlike traditional technology-first models, Rinn AI adopts a pioneering interdisciplinary philosophy, weaving arts, humanities, and social sciences into the fabric of technical development.
According to Professor O’Connor, the objective is to move beyond a primary focus on engineering of powerful algorithms toward a "new kind of research ecosystem."
"This funding allows us to ensure that the future of AI and data science in Ireland is fundamentally rooted in the human experience," said Professor O’Connor. "Our focus is on creating a framework that is ethical, responsible, and capable of addressing the real-world societal challenges facing our communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the AI revolution sweeping the world."
Economic Resilience in an AI-Exposed Economy
The investment signals a robust commitment to Ireland’s knowledge economy at a critical time. Recent analysis from the IMF and the Department of Finance highlights Ireland as one of the most AI-exposed economies globally, with 71% of employment in Dublin located in high-exposure roles.
Rinn AI is designed to turn this challenge into a competitive edge. Rather than simply reacting to global automation trends, the centre ensures Ireland leads the way in evolving professional roles –moving from a risk of displacement to a future of high-value job creation and enhanced productivity.
Professor Daire Keogh, President of Dublin City University, commented:
“This initiative is an important step forward for AI and Data Science research at a national level. I look forward to DCU playing a pivotal role in the centre’s success, thanks to the leadership of Prof O’Connor and the University’s recognised research excellence in this space.
“The establishment of the centre also signals a welcome evolution of the national conversation around AI, focused on its potential for positive impact in our society.”
Professor Jennifer Bruton, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Dublin City University, said:
“The establishment of Rinn AI represents a paradigm shift in the approach to technical education and research. This investment ensures Ireland remains at the global forefront of deep tech that is as inclusive as it is robust. By embedding the Faculty’s engineering and computing expertise within a broader social and ethical context, we aren’t just producing greater advances in technology, we are cultivating the next generation of innovators who can better address the ever-evolving local, national and global challenges of our times."
The announcement of the seven Rinn follows an open competitive process, where proposals underwent a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process by independent international experts.
The 7 Rinn will officially commence their activities on July 1st 2026.
* Rinn: The Irish word for a point, tip or headland.
ENDS
About Rinn
The 7 Rinn have direct links to the Programme for Government, National Development Plan, Impact 2030, Quantum 2030, the Digital and AI Strategy, our ‘Silicon Island’ National Semiconductor Strategy, and the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. This investment will play a key role in the delivery of the research and innovation goals and objectives set down in these strategies by Government.
Rinn Artificial Intelligence: Research & Innovation in Data Science and AI (Research Ireland Award: €121,752,497)
- Summary: Rinn Artificial Intelligence is designed to serve as a national hub for research and innovation in data science and AI. The programme has two overarching goals: to advance foundational cutting-edge research in Data Science and AI, and to pursue open, international, and inter- and transdisciplinary research aimed at studying, designing, and implementing strategies to address societal challenges. Rinn AI brings together 15 research organisations and with Co-Applicants and PIs structured into 33 research themes within seven clusters; Foundational Methods, Translational Methods, Data & Processing, People Centred AI, Democratic Governance, Health, and Society & Culture.
- Number of Co-applicants and PIs: 288
- Number of PhDs: 258
- Coordinating institutions: Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway.
- Partner institutions: Technological University Dublin, Maynooth University, University of Limerick, Tyndall National Institute, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Munster Technological University, TUS, South East Technological University, Atlantic Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology
- Centre Director: Professor Noel O’Connor