A GROUNDBREAKING new University of Limerick research centre aims to address many of the global challenges we are facing in the 21st Century.
The Centre for Implementation Research (CIRcUL), the first academically-led implementation research centre in Ireland, is working to improve the delivery of public services that will “benefit society as a whole”.
The multidisciplinary research hub, launched at UL by Mayor John Moran, is dedicated to advancing the development of evidence-informed research, policies, programmes, and professional practices to improve the delivery of public services.
The centre has received core funding from the Higher Education Authority for a period of three years to conduct implementation research science projects.
It will focus on building national and international skills and expertise in implementation science, conducting policy-focused research projects, delivering evidence-informed implementation solutions for complex societal issues, developing theories, methods, and tools in implementation science, and contributing to academic literature with high-quality research publications.
UL Vice President of Research and Innovation, Professor Kevin Ryan, said that developing and enhancing the capacities of its research centres are key elements in achieving UL’s research strategy and priorities.
Speaking at the launch event, Mayor Moran noted that there was “high potential to create groundbreaking synergies within Limerick City and County Council and the centre” for the benefit of the population, especially in “addressing housing and homelessness issues”.
Centre director Dr Laura Keyes said that the launch marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between research and effective practice in the real world.
