At the very core of UL is an instinctive drive to create knowledge for a better world.
As a young university, (founded in 1972) our very existence is due to the vision, innovation and determination of the community.
Our mission is to build a vibrant community where research excellence is valued, supported and central to all facets of our organisation and aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs).
Our research addresses areas of importance to our society such as education, languages, creativity, healthcare, complexity in contemporary and historical contexts, and social inclusion and has significant impact on sectors that are vital to our economy such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, software, med-tech, food, communications, energy, finance and the public sector.
Underpinning our drive for research excellence and societal impact is Wisdom for Action Research Strategy 2022-2207.
At the heart of this strategy is a culture that supports our people to undertake the best research, to seek new directions in their research, to be innovative and if need be disruptive, and to collaborate in new and exciting ways to address the challenges of our time and those that will emerge in our future.
We have set out four strategic mission-orientated challenges in which research across disciplines at UL, is and will continue to make an impact.
- Sustainable Society
Sustainability at the heart of everything we do.
Our discoveries in materials science, energy and environment, circular economy and food security are critical to supporting a more sustainable future for all communities.
- Inclusive Society
We pride ourselves in our role as champions for a more diverse, equal and inclusive society.
Our research community are providing insights to the complexities of this vision across many areas including education, justice and social inclusion and the future of work.
- Smart Society
How do we ensure a virtuous circle where the evolution of technology and connected devices can benefit all citizens?
To address this, we are answering questions using artificial intelligence, advances in software and manufacturing, harnessing of big data and the opportunities of digital humanities.
- Healthy Society
The health and wellbeing of our global community has never been more critical.
We are developing strategies for more person-centred and integrated healthcare, working to support our ageing society and innovating across materials science and digital technology for health.
People – our catalysts for change
We are focused on talent with an exemplary record in attracting and nurturing world-leading researchers with success in national and EU programmes.
Our strategic emphasis on prestigious training grants such as Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellowships has resulted in a high success rate with a total of 88 fellows funded here since 2014.
UL is home to European Research Council award holders at all levels across disciplines of psychology, chemistry, bioscience, with applications in energy, society and public health.
Our Doctoral College, the first for an Irish third level institution, supports and develops the structures that enable postgraduate researchers to pursue original research and provide the opportunities for them to develop their skills.
Leading from the front
UL hosts to two of Ireland’s national research centres (funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland) which are world leaders in their respective areas, with unrivalled collaboration with industry and other stakeholders, to ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of innovation in these sectors.
Lero – the Research Ireland Centre for Software
Lero’s overall vision is to establish Ireland as a location synonymous with high-quality software research and development, to the extent that ‘Irish software’ can enter the lexicon in the same way as ‘German automotive’ or ‘Scandinavian design’.
Its research spans a wide range of subjects including software engineering, information systems and human-computer interaction in areas such as driverless cars, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, govtech, smart communities, agtech and healthtech.
SSPC – the Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals
SSPC’s unique and innovative culture of collaboration is helping the global pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry to develop more environmentally sustainable methods for drug manufacturing; to increase the range of medicines available to the public and to reduce drug manufacturing costs. SSPC’s advanced research programme extends from Molecule, Materials and Medicine into the Manufacturing and Modelling space.
Still Curious?
Check out the research section of the UL website.
Thinking of joining our community? Click to find out what UL and Limerick has for you.
