Ireland’s nanotechnology research institute CRANN has forged a €130,000 partnership with biotech and pharmaceutical firm Merck Millipore, which employs 400 people in Cork.
Research and Innovation Minister Sean Sherlock TD said that the Trinity College-based CRANN shows how an Irish third level institution is helping an industry leader develop products and services, leading to growth in exports and the creation of high quality jobs in Ireland.
“This partnership between Merck Millipore and CRANN clearly illustrates how the research community here is acting as an innovation engine for companies based in Ireland. This type of research effort should ensure a healthy pipeline of new ideas towards the development of new, improved products.”
Ireland: a leading nanoscience centre
Sherlock added: “The quality of our scientific research capacity speaks for itself with, for example, Ireland now ranked 8th globally in materials science. This research partnership reflects CRANN’s reputation as a leading international nanoscience centre, with the infrastructure and expertise to attract partnerships with multinational companies and key industry players.”
CRANN is a predominantly Science Foundation Ireland funded Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology. CRANN now has over 250 researchers based across TCD, UCC and the Tyndall National Institute, Cork. Some of the funding for the CRANN – Merck Millipore partnership has been provided via Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership programme.
