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Edmond Magner, Faculty of Science & Engineering - University of Limerick, UL President Prof Don Barry, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Dr Mary Shire, Vice President Research at UL at the launch

Taoiseach Enda Kenny today launched the Bernal Institute at the University of Limerick, an €86 million science and engineering research institute comprised of 20,000m2 of high quality, multi-purpose research space in the new Science and Engineering Zone at UL.

The Bernal Institute will showcase and build on the University’s significant strengths in research in Science and Engineering. A key aspect of the Institute is the recruitment of world leading researchers as Bernal Professors, with seven of a total of ten new professorial chairs filled. The Institute houses over 260 researchers who work in and across research themes in advanced materials, manufacturing and processing engineering and fluid dynamics.

Speaking from the launch event Taoiseach, Enda Kenny said:

Ireland has a proud history of scientific achievement that has helped shape the modern world we live in. The opening of the Bernal Institute at UL will ensure that Ireland stays at the cutting edge of research and innovation. Advances in pharmaceuticals, medicines and materials at the Bernal Institute will help tackle the great challenges facing society today. The Government is proud to support scientific endeavour, and the development of the Bernal Institute is an excellent example of collaboration between Government, higher education, philanthropy, and industry.