2010 press releases
Posted 25 June 2010
Research Education First in Institute of Technology
A new approach to postgraduate research in institutes of technology has been launched in Athlone.
A group of research candidates undertaking doctorate and master’s degrees at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) have participated in the first two modules of a new graduate education programme. The course which was developed by the Institutes of Technology Ireland Research Alliance, has the support of all of the IoTs in Ireland, as well as an international group of universities, and several professional bodies.
Dr John Bartlett, Head of Research at IT Sligo and Coordinator of the IoTI Research Alliance, said: “The institutes of technology have a major contribution to make to national recovery and long-term sustainability through their research and innovation resources. To maximise the impact of these resources, the number of staff involved in research and innovation is set to increase significantly and the number of postgraduate researchers is set to increase in parallel.”
He continued: “The need for this programme was seen a number of years ago and its development has involved a wide spectrum of higher education institutions, quality agencies and industry bodies. This internationally accredited programme will have an immediate and significant influence on our capacity to meet the challenge of providing effective and high impact research and innovation support to the regions and the economy.”
Dr Michelle Connolly, Programme Manager Research Alliance described the launch as “an important development for graduate education in the sector. It will have a major impact on increasing the capacity of institutes to undertake research, and on the development of structured master’s and PhDs. This accredited multidisciplinary research skills programme is the first of its kind in transferable skills in Ireland. It is a key enabler providing state-of-the-art skills to staff and students,” she said.
Director of Graduate Studies at AIT, Dr Robert Stewart, said that: “AIT had prioritised the strengthening of its research capacity and capability in its strategic plan. The institute’s participation in this structured graduate education programme is a significant step in the development of fourth level Ireland. Our research community will benefit from this investment in their research careers,” he added.
The Research Alliance offers three accredited Level 9 programme formats: a 60 credit diploma, 30 credit certificate and 10 credit single certificate modules. Modules are available in research methods, research management, personal development for researchers, data handling and analysis, creativity and entrepreneurship, and communication for researchers.
The national alliance behind the development of the programme comprised Ireland’s 14 institutes of technology, the University of Ulster, NUI Maynooth, NUI Galway and University of Melbourne; in addition to IBEC, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the Irish Universities Association (IUA).
The Institutes of Technology Ireland Research Alliance was established in 2007 and is funded under the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF I). Further information is available at www.researchalliance.ie. Further information about Institutes of Technology Ireland can be found at www.ioti.ie.
