Minister Lawless addresses annual British Irish Chamber of Commerce (BICC) conference
-
Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD was in London today where he made the keynote address at the annual British Irish Chamber of Commerce (BICC) Higher Education and Research Conference, entitled Global Challenges, Shared Responsibilities: UK-Ireland Partnership in Action. The conference was also addressed by his UK counterpart, Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Peter Kyle. The two Ministers held their first meeting, to discuss the close and well-established research and innovation links between Ireland and the UK – both at bilateral level and under the EU Framework Programmes, currently Horizon Europe. They reaffirmed the commitment to continue to focus on expanding and enhancing collaboration – in particular:
- Strengthening North-South and East-West research and innovation collaboration;
- Identifying potential calls under the remaining years of Horizon Europe, 2025-2027, where Irish and UK partners are well placed to jointly participate in a project application; and
- Promoting funder-to-funder dialogue to stimulate new opportunities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
During his visit, Minister Lawless also met with Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson.
Minister Lawless said:
“This year’s British Irish Chamber of Commerce conference is an important opportunity to celebrate and renew the close connections between our research and higher education systems. These relationships are a powerful resource, one we must continue to cultivate as we face shared global challenges.”
“Today’s meeting with Secretary of State Peter Kyle reaffirmed the depth of trust and ambition underpinning our research and innovation partnership. Ireland and the UK share an enduring record of collaboration and I am committed to strengthening these ties in the years ahead.
“It was a pleasure to meet Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson to exchange views on areas of mutual interest particularly student mobility, skills development, and apprenticeships. These are critical to both our nations as we prepare for the challenges of the future.
“Collaboration between Irish and UK institutions is thriving, particularly under Horizon Europe. With nearly €50 billion still available under the programme, I urge our research communities to think boldly and ambitiously about what more can be achieved together. Strengthening East-West and North-South links remains a priority, and we encourage this at every level from funder dialogue to institutional partnerships.”
Minister Lawless held bilateral meetings with UK-based science and technology alumni, and visited the White City Innovation District at Imperial College London, which is home to world-leading researchers and enterprises seeking solutions to global challenges.
Minister Lawless concluded:
“With strong relationships already in place between departments, funders and institutions, the future of UK-Ireland research cooperation is full of potential. Events like today’s conference offer a vital platform to spark new ideas and foster deeper collaboration ensuring that our partnership continues to thrive, innovate, and lead.”