Prof. Dan Ralph from Cornell University travelled to Dublin as part of CRANN’s International Seminar Series 2010. Prof. Ralph is Horace White Professor of Physics at Cornell. His research focuses on the electronic and magnetic properties of nm-scale samples. Ralph’s lecture at CRANN on May 7th highlighted recent progress in experimental techniques to control the orientations of nanoscale magnetic moments and electron spins. 

Minister for Labour Affairs, and Public Service Transformation, Mr Dara Calleary, TD, yesterday opened CRANN’s €12 Advanced Microscopy Laboratory (AML). The AML is a world class nanoscience research, which features some of the world’s most advanced microscopes. It will allow Ireland to compete globally to win new research funding and foreign direct investment that previously would have been beyond our capability. Minister Dara Calleary said at the opening that the CRANN AML "is an excellent example of how Ireland’s smart economy is enabled through high quality research programmes, state-of-the-art infrastructure and highly trained, technically skilled personnel".

Three of CRANN’s PIs were today announced as award winners under Science Foundation Ireland’s Principal Investigator Programme. Prof Martin Hegner (TCD), Dr Justin Holmes and Prof Michael Morris (UCC) were awarded the funding amongst 27 pioneering projects supporting strategic work in the life science, information communications technology and sustainable energy sectors.

CRANN has been awarded €15.5m in non-exchequer funding, following a competitive process, to lead two major European nano research projects which will create 17 R&D roles.

In a move that will create 12 new R&D roles, the Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) and TCD School of Medicine, in partnership with CRANN, will lead a pan-European team that has attracted funding worth approximately €12m, to develop new nanomedical technology which will enable the early and rapid diagnosis of cancer. 

In partnership with Intel, CRANN will also lead a European consortium focussed on the development of the next generation of electronic chip which will drive faster, lighter and more efficient computers, mobile phones and home gaming machines.   This project will lead to the creation of five R&D roles.

 The appointment of Máire Geoghegan Quinn as EU Commissioner for Research and Innovation offers Ireland an opportunity to articulate at a European level what is needed to stimulate and support opportunities for innovation ultimately leading to the creation of jobs, both in Ireland and across the EU, writes Prof. John Boland, Director of CRANN in Business and Finance.

Boland maintains that the SFI-funded centres for science, engineering and technology (CSETs) recognise the direction required. He points out that “the linkage between world-class research capacity and the generation and exploitation of knowledge was explicit from the outset, and has created unique bonds between Irish academia and industry”.