The vibrant nature of research activity in the North West is on display today at the first IT Sligo Research Showcase.
With over 70 postgraduate research students, a dynamic academic community, and a strong focus on collaborations with industrial partners and other Higher Education Institutes, research activity at the Institute is growing every year.
President of IT Sligo, Professor Terri Scott, said that the Showcase demonstrates the Institute’s commitment to research field and its role in contributing to a sustained economic regeneration; “IT Sligo is committed to promoting research, along with technology and knowledge transfer to support the economic recovery of the North West region.”
“The recently published National Strategy for Higher Education stresses the importance of fostering quality research that can translate into high value jobs and we share that view.”
“We have set very ambitions but realistic targets in our own Strategic Plan that includes a vision for the Institute to become a hub for applied research, through engagement with the regional community and industry.”
Head of Research at IT Sligo, John Bartlett, said that the scope and depth of research at the Institute is increasing every year. He stressed the importance of the Institute as a catalyst and driver of regional development and sustainability: “through our education, research and physical resources, we provide the people, knowledge, expertise and facilities that support business and the community as we plan for the economy and society of the future for the North West”.
“IT Sligo has been recognised as a ‘catalyst for job creation in the region’ and, in order to sustain that reputation, we must look to the future and where job opportunities can be found”
“The future of high value jobs will be based on the outputs of research and innovation and these activities must continue to be supported so that researchers and entrepreneurs can effectively translate their ideas into valuable processes, products and services. That is why we continue to prioritise and promote the development of research capacity across IT Sligo,” he said.
Postgraduate Researcher at IT Sligo Padraig Varley is Chairman of the Research Showcase Committee that developed the Showcase event in collaboration with the Research Office. A native of Mayo, he is studying for a MEng by Research in Bioengineering and is researching a computerised imaging system that can detect the risk of fracture; “After finishing a degree in physics and instrumentation, I knew that research was the next best step for me in terms of improving my employability. Research adds significant value to any qualification and it’s a prerequisite for anyone hoping to get into the research and development, which is the area I am personally interested in myself.”
“IT Sligo offers research opportunities for students studying in all fields and there are great support structures in place for research students here. We organised this Showcase event to share the work that we are carrying out with the wider community and the industries in the region that we have collaborations with. It’s important that we all continue to work together because I strongly believe our future lies in research.”
The Research Showcase continues at IT Sligo until tomorrow evening (Thursday). For further details see www. https://www.itsligo.ie/research-innovation/research-welcome/research-showcase/
Chairman of the Research Showcase Committee and postgraduate researcher at IT Sligo, Padraig Varley.
Registrar of IT Sligo, Brendan McCormack officially kicks off proceedings.
Lecturer and supervisor Catherine McGuinn with research student Catherine Young.
Research student Neil Gannon demonstrates how to learn biotechnology through Gameplay.
Exchanging ideas at the first IT Sligo Research Showcase.
Head of Research at IT Sligo John Bartlett with Karl McCarthy from AIT.