Researchers doing good work but it must continue- Minister Jimmy Devins, TD

Dr. Jimmy Devins, T.D., Minister of State for Science and Innovation

The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Jimmy Devins, TD has said the government remains committed to its planned investment in scientific research under the National Development Plan.

Over the period of the National Development Plan, €8.2 billion will be spent on science, technology and innovation programmes.

“The vision of the government’s strategy in this area is to create an Ireland that, by 2013, will be internationally renowned for the excellence of its research, and will be at the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social gain,” Dr Devins said.

Dr Devins was speaking at the formal launch of DCU’s Contract Researchers’ Association (DuCRA) on Tuesday 24 June.

Minister Devins spoke positively about the need to create a researcher career path as set out in the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation,"this is vital if we are to attract talented young people into science." Over 70 people attended the launch which had representation from the HEA, Forfás, RIA, IUA and several funding agencies including Enterprise Ireland, The Irish Cancer Society and IRCSET.

DuCRA's policy document "Building Sustainable Researcher Careers in a Knowledge Based Economy" was also launched,this included analysis of a recent DuCRA survey of researchers, which is the most comprehensive survey of DCU researchers to be carried out in the university.

Minister Devins also said there are challenging times ahead for the country but insists the government is determined to honour its funding commitments: “As far as I and the government are concerned, the investment that has already occurred in science, technology and innovation should and must continue”.

He also acknowledged that more work needs to be done to attract students to third level science courses.