Waterford Institute of technology (WIT) is teaming up with state broadcaster RTÉ to run a number of research projects in the region.
WIT and RTÉ will provide funding for a number of research programmes “of mutual interest” that will directly impact on broadcasting capabilities in the region.
The Irish language will be a focus, as one area of research will be multilingual broadcasting, while other areas, such as new technologies and how they impact on broadcasting and audiences, will also be included.
It’s a two-year plan, with the president of WIT, Prof Willie Donnelly, saying the institution was “delighted” to be part of the initiative, adding that the south-east is well positioned to lead this area of broadcast research.
Noting industry research in the areas of mobile technology and engineering and IT, Donnelly said WIT’s expertise should be put to good use.
“[It] makes the fit between RTÉ — which has great and positive ambitions in this region — and WIT a very good one,” he said.
WIT has been quite active this year, with a €2.5m investment from Enterprise Ireland into its ArcLabs incubation hub announced last month.
ArcLabs was established 10 years ago and more than 60 companies, including FeedHenry and NearForm, have passed through the incubator since then.
Currently, 27 companies are based in ArcLabs Waterford and Kilkenny, employing more than 190 staff.
Waterford image via Shutterstock
