New SFI Centre to Create Nationwide Job Openings

Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD has opened Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre, CONFIRM, a ‘smart manufacturing’ research centre led by University of Limerick (UL) and involving 42 companies. The centre is funded by SFI and industry to a value of €47 million, making it one of the largest new research and development centres in the country. The manufacturing sector is the second largest employer in Ireland and accounts for 24% of total economic output - €110 billion in exports.

Launched in May, the new centre’s headquarters at Park Point, close to the main University of Limerick campus, had been empty for some time and the university will continue to invest in its rejuvenation over the coming years.

The CONFIRM SFI Research Centre is supported by 42 Industry partners including technology providers and end users from the Multi-National Corporation (MNC) and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sectors across Ireland.

Speaking at the launch Minister Heather Humphreys, TD, said: “CONFIRM will benefit Ireland through enabling us to compete internationally, generating employment, enhancing student skills, and attracting new investment. We are delighted to support this centre which will transform manufacturing in Ireland through the expertise of highly-skilled researchers.

Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, said: “CONFIRM is supported through Science Foundation Ireland’s Research Centres Programme. This Programme has established a network of 17 world-leading research centres across Ireland that combine investment from Government and industry partners. The research centres are a tangible demonstration of the Government’s commitment to excellent scientific research in Ireland. By enhancing Ireland’s smart manufacturing systems through expert research, CONFIRM, alongside the other SFI Research Centres, will deliver important scientific advances that will enhance our economy, provide excellent training for students and maintain Ireland’s outstanding global reputation. I look forward to the impactful projects that CONFIRM will lead in smart manufacturing over the coming years.”