In a significant step toward addressing pressing environmental and societal challenges, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) researchers are among the first nine teams to receive Grow Phase funding under Ireland's €65 million National Challenge Fund. This announcement was made by Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science. The fund aims to drive innovative solutions to critical issues related to the Green Transition and Digital Transformation, with the selected teams sharing a total of €4.5 million in funding.

The National Challenge Fund, which is supported by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, is a competitive program designed to foster collaboration between academic researchers, government entities, enterprises, and societal stakeholders. The goal is to develop practical and impactful solutions that can be implemented not just in Ireland but across Europe and the globe.

Trinity’s Leading Teams

Two Trinity College Dublin teams have been recognized for their pioneering projects and have secured Grow Phase funding:

  1. SubScrewHydro Project
    Lead Researcher: Prof. Aonghus McNabola, Professor in Energy and the Environment, Dept of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin
    Co-Lead: Prof. Mary Kelly Quinn, University College Dublin
    Project Overview: The SubScrewHydro project focuses on developing a low-cost, fish-friendly micro hydropower energy storage system. This innovative approach aims to harness sustainable energy while preserving aquatic ecosystems, addressing a key challenge in renewable energy development.

  2. DRIVE Project
    Lead Researcher: Dr. Séamus O’Shaughnessy, Mechanical Engineer, Trinity College Dublin
    Co-Lead: Dr. Daniel Trimble, Trinity College Dublin
    Project Overview: The DRIVE project seeks to enhance the thermal management of batteries in electric vehicles (EVs). By improving the efficiency and lifespan of EV batteries, this research could significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and support the transition to greener transportation.

A Milestone in National Research Efforts

Minister O’Donovan emphasized the importance of the National Challenge Fund in driving research that delivers tangible benefits for society and the environment. He expressed his optimism about the potential impact of these projects, stating:

"I am pleased to announce the first cohort of the National Challenge Fund project teams that are now finalists in this competition-based funding programme. This innovative, solutions-focused programme is a key driver in delivering research and innovation that makes a real and positive impact across society, the economy, and the environment – not just here in Ireland, but across Europe and around the world."

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the National Challenge Fund, which has already supported 96 teams since its inception. The nine teams selected for the Grow Phase funding will now compete for additional funding in the program's final phase. The most competitive teams under the 2050 and Future Digital Challenges categories will have the opportunity to secure a further €1 million in prize funding.

As the selected teams advance their research over the next 12 months, the focus will be on unlocking the transformational potential of digital technologies and supporting Ireland's commitment to becoming climate neutral. The National Challenge Fund, coordinated by Science Foundation Ireland, continues to play a crucial role in addressing national priorities and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Minister O’Donovan also highlighted the importance of ensuring continuity in research funding, noting that calls previously managed by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) will continue as Research Ireland – Taighde Éireann begins its operations.

This latest round of funding underscores Ireland's commitment to leading the charge in environmental sustainability and digital innovation, with Trinity College Dublin researchers at the forefront of this transformative journey.