The Government's Millennium Committee has agreed to fund an all-Ireland research project which will investigate the prehistoric origins of the peoples of Ireland. The idea was proposed by the Royal Irish Academy, which now seeks applications for up to four research grants of some £20,000 each.
The project title is "Irish Origins: the Genetic History and Geography of Ireland". Researchers from North or South must be able to show that they can provide matching resources.
The purpose behind the project is to achieve a better understanding of the people who populate this island, linking in the geography of where they settled, explained Dr Dan Bradley, of the department of genetics at Trinity College, Dublin.
"The basic idea is that genetic data gives us information about variations between people. That information can tell us something about the past. It is the study of genetic variation with the idea of finding something new about the history of the people and the island."
He said the study would very much depend on analysing the genetic make-up of people on this island. Measuring genetic variability could help build a picture of past migrations and movements of population groups and their origins.
However, the study was not just about sampling DNA, said Dr Bradley. Proposers could, for example, examine the distribution of genetic disorders or study "ancient DNA" recovered from Stone Age remains.
His own research group at Trinity has carried out research into ancient DNA and the genetic distribution of cattle varieties here. He said a study, for example, of the genetic variation in domestic animals as a form of "genetic anthropology" could also provide valuable insights.
He said the selection would be done on a peer-reviewed basis. He doubted that the selection committee would have pre-set ideas of what proposals to accept. However, projects would have to be feasible, relevant to the project's aims, reflect scientific excellence and be able to advance knowledge.
Successful applicants for the funding will be expected to present results of their studies at a conference in the RIA late next year.
Further information and application forms are available from Prof David McConnell, Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. The deadline for applications is Monday, February 7th next. Proposers may also email for advice to l.mahoney@ria.ie Dick Ahlstrom