Rinn Quantum brings together over 20 PIs from Trinity and its partner institutions: University of Galway; University College Dublin (UCD); Maynooth University; University College Cork (UCC); Munster Technological University (MTU), and South East Technological University (SETU). 

The centres were announced today by James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. 

Co-Director Prof. Goold said:

“We are delighted that Trinity will host Rinn Quantum and honoured to lead this national effort alongside our partners across Ireland. The Centre arrives at a pivotal moment for quantum information science, as discoveries that were once largely confined to theory are increasingly finding their way into technologies with the potential to transform computing, communications, sensing and security. 

“Rinn Quantum represents a major national investment in fundamental quantum research. At its core is the recognition that transformative technologies emerge from a deep understanding of nature. By supporting world-leading research into the foundations of quantum physics and quantum information science, the Centre will help generate the discoveries that will underpin future innovations, many of which may only become fully apparent over the lifetime of the Centre and beyond. 

“Through an ambitious programme spanning quantum foundations, networks, computing, control, high-performance computing integration and societal impact, we aim to establish Ireland as a recognised international leader in quantum information science and technology. Alongside scientific excellence, a defining feature of the Centre is its commitment to engaged research. We will work closely with industry, policymakers, educators and the public to ensure that the development of quantum technologies is informed, inclusive and aligned with societal needs.” 

Co-Director, Prof. Hess added:

“Rinn Quantum will create an active, living bridge between fundamental discovery and future technologies: between theory and experiment, materials and devices, quantum photonics and quantum networks, and between researchers, industry, policymakers, educators and society. In my view, some of the most consequential work in quantum science happens on this bridge, where principles are translated into platforms and where technological challenges generate new scientific questions. 

“Since moving to Trinity to take up the Chair in Quantum Nanophotonics, with a research programme supported by what is now a Research Ireland Professorship, I have sought to help establish quantum nanophotonics and quantum networks research in Ireland, building on international experience in nanoplasmonics, metamaterials and quantum photonics. Through Rinn Quantum, this expertise can contribute to a broader national effort to develop robust, scalable and sustainable quantum platforms, while strengthening Ireland’s connections to industry and international partners. 

“Just as importantly, Rinn Quantum is an education mission. Ireland will become quantum-ready only by training and inspiring the people who will build, use, question and govern these technologies. I look forward to working with John, our Trinity colleagues, partners across Ireland and the wider Rinn network to build a Centre that connects insight with capability, and capability with long-term societal benefit.” 

Trinity will also Rinn Advanced Therapies while acting as one of five coordinating institutions in a third (Rinn Artificial Intelligence).  

The Trinity-hosted pair will operate within the Rinn enhanced national research network for the next eight years and have received combined Research Ireland funding of approximately €90 million, with more to be leveraged from industry and other sources. The new network reflects a change in the scale and breadth of collaboration, governance, and funding, to support a more coordinated and internationally engaged research system with the aim of delivering national and international impact. 

Welcoming the news, Dr Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity, said:

“I am delighted that Trinity College Dublin has been chosen to host Rinn Advanced Therapies and Rinn Quantum, as well as co-hosting Rinn Artificial Intelligence. 

“The focus of these centres could not be more timely or significant. Cellular immune therapies, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence are areas of vital importance globally, impacting on people’s lives in so many ways. I am proud that Trinity will be at the heart of research underpinning developments in these fields. 

“I want to congratulate everyone who contributed to the development of these successful funding proposals. It is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of the strong ambition, academic brilliance and collaborative spirit of Trinity’s research community. 

“In addition, Trinity researchers will serve as principal investigators in each of the other four research centres which reflects the breadth and quality of our research. 

“Our strategic plan commits us to an intensification of research and these new centres are a key part of that ambition. Their value lies in the deep partnerships they foster with other Irish universities and industry partners, as well as the fantastic opportunities they provide for so many PhD students and researchers. 

“Investment in students and investment in research is, fundamentally, investment in Ireland, and that is part of the impact of these research centres.” 

Prof. Sinéad Ryan, Dean of Research at Trinity, added:

“The establishment of Rinn Advanced Therapies and Rinn Quantum reflects the depth of expertise that exists across Trinity and our partner institutions, and demonstrates the power of sustained, deep collaboration in tackling complex challenges. At the heart of Trinity’s Strategic Plan, Thrive, is the commitment to intensify our research and innovation, of which these new centres will stand as exemplars. 

“These new centres will create and nurture vibrant research ecosystems that connect fundamental discovery with real-world application, support the development of the next generation of researchers, and strengthen Ireland’s international position in two strategically important fields. We look forward to working with our partners to ensure these centres deliver lasting scientific, societal and economic impact over the coming years.