Research & Policy

Ireland

Dramatically increasing the number of top-level researchers in Ireland is a cornerstone of the Irish government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation: 2006-2013, which is a key component of the National Development Plan (NDP). To download a copy of the strategy document, visit the Advisory Science Council website by clicking here.

The government recognised that one of the most successful and efficient ways of boosting innovation and gaining additional researchers in Ireland was increase the numbers of highly-qualified women participating in scientific research.

In the past, government measures in Ireland focused largely on second-level education with the aim of increasing the uptake of science subjects by girls, and therefore increasing the pool for potential recruitment later on. However, in recent years the government has begun to appreciate the need for specific initiatives aimed at the retention of women in science. These efforts are being implemented through Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). It was through one such initiative from SFI that WiSER was established. To read more about the background to WiSER and the SFI grant, click here.

Click here for a timeline of the key policy developments on this topic in Ireland, click here.