Minister James Lawless, TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science today met with the Council of The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) to mark the commencement of DIAS 85, a year celebrating 85 years of discovery at the world-famous research institute.
In 1940, Taoiseach Eamonn De Valera, with remarkable foresight, established Ireland’s first, and to this day only, institution dedicated to fundamental research and discovery. The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (www.dias.ie) was only the second such institution in the world, the first being in Princeton, USA, putting Ireland at the centre of worldwide research endeavour, a position DIAS holds to this day. The Institute continues to advance scientific knowledge through national and international collaboration and cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines.
Minister Lawless heard of plans for the continued development of the Institute and its three schools - the School of Celtic Studies, the School of Theoretical Physics, and the School of Cosmic Physics. He also witnessed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between DIAS and the Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Midwest, DIAS’ first formal partnership with a Technological University.
Congratulating DIAS on 85 years of discovery, Minister Lawless said; “DIAS is a unique institution in the Irish research landscape, attracting outstanding researchers to Ireland and providing mentoring and training for postgraduate students and early-stage researchers.
“The importance of research for its own sake cannot be underestimated. Ireland is fortunate that in DIAS we have an Institute where researchers have the space and time to progress our understanding of our island, our planet and the universe as well as gaining insights into Celtic society and its legacy which continues to inform the Ireland of today”.
Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO of Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies said; “Central to our research success is collaboration with national and international scientists, researchers, and institutes and, while DIAS is embedded globally partnering with research institutions abroad, equally important is our collaboration with academic partners and research institutions in Ireland. Together we have created a vibrant research sector and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Midwest furthers that objective and reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers all over Ireland.
“Our 85 years of research and discovery are firm foundations as we look to the future and the continued development of fundamental research in Ireland. Our Council is currently developing a new strategy for the Institute which will outline a roadmap to develop and grow our Institute as we work towards DIAS’ centenary in 2040. I wish to thank Minister Lawless for his unwavering support as we work to ensure the continued unique role of DIAS and the future for fundamental research in Ireland.”
The achievements of the Institute and its researchers in Celtic Studies, Cosmic Physics and Theoretical Physics are renowned worldwide. A small example includes:
