IRELAND

FOREWORD
This publication provides a welcome and valuable contribution to the
discourse at a national and international level on the role and value of
discovery research. By exploring the role of curiosity-driven research in
both a historical and contemporary context, this publication highlights
some of the achievements that have been made by Irish scientists, while
shining a spotlight on a small sample of research currently being
performed in Irish research institutions.
discovery Ireland 8,9
As reflected in the national strategy for research and innovation,
Innovation 2020: Excellence, Talent, Impact, the Government recognises
that research plays a vital role in maintaining innovation and creativity.
With this publication the Irish Research Council has provided an
important insight into the role discovery research plays in enhancing an
understanding of our world and in the development of new ideas which
may in time impact on all our lives. Indeed, publications such as this,
together with contributions made by those from within the research
community, are strongly encouraged as they provide the public with a
greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of research.
Through the inclusion of a series of case studies, focusing on researchers
at various stages of their careers, this publication allows those outside
of the research community to see what motivates researchers to focus
on discovery and fundamental research, while also giving important
examples of how research has led to new and unexpected knowledge
and technologies.
I would like to thank the Council for taking the initiative with this
publication. I look forward to further communications of this nature,
which serve to enhance the public understanding of the nature of
research, and encourage discussion about its importance for Ireland’s
future.
A 49m-year-old fossil beetle from Messel, Germany. The iridescent blue colours of the beetle are
produced by very fine layers in the beetle’s tough outer coating. Credit: Dr. Maria McNamara.
Dr. Maria McNamara is a former Irish Research Council co-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie
International Mobility Fellow. She has recently been awarded an European Research Council Starter
Grant for her project ‘Animal coloration through deep time: evolutionary novelty, homology and
taphonomy’. She is currently based in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences
in UCC, where she works at the interphase of the geological, biological and physical sciences.
Damien English TD
Minister of State for Skills, Research and Innovation.