The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just announced €14.5 million in funding for 25 new research projects aimed at tackling the climate crisis.
Half of the recipients are first-time applicants, showing a growing interest in environmental research in Ireland. These projects will explore important areas, fill in gaps in our knowledge, and support the future of research.
Some of the exciting projects include:
- Studying how the Irish public views climate change
- Finding ways to manage electronic waste
- Researching how trees are affected by diseases
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) stands out this year, with seven projects receiving funding, many exceeding €650,000 each. For instance, Prof. Laurence Gill’s project on fen conservation received almost €660,000. Also notable is Dr. Archishman Bose from University College Cork, awarded €657,000 for his work on sustainable wool production.
This funding will support nearly 200 research staff across various organizations, including around 50 PhD and postgraduate students. The EPA is collaborating with Met Éireann and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make this research possible.
According to EPA Director-General Laura Burke, the funding is crucial for building research talent needed to tackle environmental challenges. The latest EPA State of the Environment Report emphasizes the pressing issues facing Ireland, such as sustainable consumption, biodiversity, and pollution.
The annual grants are part of the EPA’s 2030 research strategy, which aims to support environmental policy through scientific evidence. The focus is on climate change, promoting a circular economy, and restoring nature.
The next funding call will open in April, after last year’s effort, which funded 33 projects totaling €14.3 million and backed over 200 researchers across 13 Irish organizations.
