Europe's top scientists, researchers to gather in Dublin

More than 20 of Europe's top scientists and researchers are in Dublin this week for a meeting of the European Research Council (ERC).

It is being held to coincide with the start of Ireland's presidency of the European Council which begins in July.

The ERC is the EU's main funder of research with an annual budget of €2.4 billion.

Irish researchers have won over €200 million in funding since 2021.

The ERC will meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless to discuss the budget for science in the next multi-annual financial framework, the seven-year budget for the EU that will be a key topic during Ireland's presidency.

The ERC is requesting a doubling of its budget amid fears Europe is falling behind globally when it comes to scientific research, with current funding at one third the level in China.

"We need science more than ever," said Prof Luke O'Neill, who sits on the council.

"Science is the only way to help solve the problems facing us, be that in food security, climate change, diseases that affect us or the challenges and opportunities of AI," he said.

Research Ireland is hosting the 'Forum on the Future and Impact of European Research, Science and Technology'.

It will be addressed by Prof Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council.

The Taoiseach and Minister Lawless will also address the conference, as will the heads of third level institutions and industry leaders from Google, Roche Pharma and the Kerry Group.

The meeting will move to Belfast tomorrow for discussions with scientists, researchers and academic leaders there, hosted by Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA at Stormont, Minister for the Economy.