UCC researchers secure €6.2m for pioneering research infrastructure projects
A key project, ASPIRE, led by Dr Lynette Keeney, has been awarded €4.67m to establish a national facility
Leading research initiatives at University College Cork (UCC) have secured a combined €6.2m in funding under the Research Ireland Infrastructure Programme, supporting major advances in semiconductor materials and quantum technologies.
The investment forms part of a broader €17m national funding package and will enhance Ireland’s research capabilities through the development of cutting-edge facilities. UCC and its research flagship, Tyndall National Institute, are leading two of the nine funded projects, reinforcing their role at the forefront of innovation.
Advancing semiconductor research
A key project, ASPIRE, led by Dr Lynette Keeney, has been awarded €4.67m to establish a national facility for the growth and analysis of ultra-thin semiconductor materials with atomic-level precision. This capability is critical for developing next-generation electronic devices, where performance depends on the precise engineering of materials at the nanoscale.
The facility will integrate advanced material synthesis with comprehensive characterisation techniques, enabling researchers to link physical properties with real-world device performance. It is expected to accelerate innovation in areas such as low-power electronics, computing, photonics, and biomedical technologies, while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Pioneering quantum sensing
UCC will also establish Ireland’s first dedicated quantum sensing laboratory through a €1.56m project led by Dr Zili Li. The facility will focus on developing portable quantum sensors for geo-engineering applications, using cutting-edge technologies such as superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs).
The interdisciplinary project brings together expertise in engineering, physics, and chemistry to develop high-precision sensing tools capable of detecting underground structures such as sinkholes and caves. Looking further ahead, the technology could even support the exploration of subsurface environments beyond Earth.
Strengthening national capability
The Research Ireland Infrastructure Programme is designed to equip researchers with world-class tools and facilities, ensuring Ireland remains competitive in key sectors including semiconductors, AI, advanced materials, and MedTech.
According to UCC’s Vice President for Research and Innovation, Professor John Cryan, these projects will serve as important national resources and play a vital role in advancing strategic research areas, positioning Ireland at the forefront of global scientific innovation.
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