€22m manufacturing research centre launched in UCD

A €22 million advanced manufacturing research centre was launched in University College Dublin on Monday with the mission of shaping the future of manufacturing.

The "I-Form Advanced Manufacturing SFI Research Centre", backed by Science Foundation Ireland as well as industry, brings together expertise to improve the understanding of complex materials processing.

A partnership between a range of universities and institutes of technology, the I-Form centre also has industry partners including small and medium enterprises as well as multinationals.

The centre has recorded early achievements including the successful commercialisation of a new plasma-processing technology for the treatment of a substance used in manufacturing. Additionally, it has secured €1.7 million in funding from the European Union.

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Next level

I-Form's director, Prof Denis Dowling, said the centre was working with industry to deliver the next level of understanding for complex manufacturing processes.

“Through our research into digital solutions for materials processing technologies, we are changing how things are made, and delivering a step-change in competitiveness for Irish manufacturing,” he said.

Launching the centre, Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan said it would enable research teams to work together to "shape the future of Irish manufacturing. Collaboration and innovation are at the very core of the SFI Research Centre network, which continues to build on Ireland's international reputation for research excellence," he said.

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys noted the manufacturing sector was the second-largest employer in the Republic, accounting for "36.5 per cent of GDP and €122.6 billion in exports".

"It is crucial that Ireland continues to deliver impactful research outcomes in advanced manufacturing," she added.