IT Sligo has announced a major expansion of its research funding schemes with up to 30 students set to benefit this year.
The Institute believes that this funding boost for prospective high calibre students, underlines its commitment to research as the lifeblood of the higher education sector.
Now in its third year, the President’s Bursary Awards scheme has been given a significant boost for the 2012/13 academic year.
This year an additional 10 students will receive funding under the scheme which as always encourages research in areas which are aligned to the Institute’s strategic academic themes and national strategic priorities.
IT Sligo has also announced the launch of an innovative Strategic Research Student Fund this year under which up to 20 national and international students will have their tuition fees waived.
Successful candidates for the President’s Bursary Awards will receive an annual stipend of €7,250 plus a waiver of tuition fees for up to three years.
Dr John Bartlett, Head of research at IT Sligo explained that in a new departure this year, students themselves are being invited to submit proposals across a number of specified areas which have the potential to boost Ireland’s economic and social recovery and sustainability.
“Allowing students to propose projects in this way will encourage innovation based on their ambitions, foresight and experience in other academic programmes nationally and internationally”explained Dr Bartlett.
Proposals for research degrees are being invited across the following disciplines: Sustainability and Clean Technologies; Creativity and Design; Quality of Life and Healthcare, and Economy and Society.
“These areas reflect our core strategic research themes and we are confident that this year’s cohort of research Masters and PhD students will enhance our hard won reputation for competence, capability and innovation, and our track record, “ said Dr Bartlett.
In addition to bursaries, the Institute is offering fee waivers to up to 20 research students under the new Strategic Research Student Fund. Dr Bartlett said this new funding mechanism would be particularly attractive for international students.
“This fund will increase student numbers and also enhance IT Sligo’s reputation for research which has the potential to boost Ireland’s economic and social recovery and sustainability,” the Head of Research stressed.
“We believe the expansion of our research funding further underlines our ability to achieve Technological University status at a time when the third level sector is preparing for major change,” he added.
The deadline for applications for the President’s Bursary Awards scheme and the Strategic Research Student Fund is Friday 21st September 2012.
For further information on the applications process click here or contact the Research Office at: rooney.rosaleen@nullitsligo.ie.
Staff and students who were successful under the inaugural IT Sligo President’s Bursary Awards in 2011 pictured with IT Sligo President, Professor Terri Scott; Head of Research Dr John Bartlett; and Head of School of Science, Dr Jeremy Bird. Missing from the photo are Dr Frances Lucy and Dr Joe Gildea