What Problem Was Ireland Facing

If the COVID-xix pandemic has taught us annihilation, it's that scientific innovation can have a tremendous touch on our everyday lives.

here's no end to the challenges we can address through scientific pursuits, but it'south merely through collaboration that we can identify the greatest needs and therefore see the best results.

Collaboration does not simply use to those working within the fields of science. Just as bug such as climate change and the economy affect united states of america all, each of us take a part to play in highlighting areas of greatest importance in gild and proposing possible routes to generating solutions.

Taking place 7-14 Nov, the theme for Scientific discipline Week 2021 is Creating Our Future. The notion that anyone can come up up with an idea that can inspire research and innovation is a powerful one, and gives a strong message and pathway to researchers looking to tackle some of the problems we face equally a society.

Understanding the bug

While tackling the challenges our society faces will require collaboration and thorough inquiry, the opportunities they present should non be overlooked. Offering solutions and inspiring enquiry are worthwhile pursuits, but the first stride is ever understanding exactly what is at stake.

Understandably, climatic change and protecting our environment are among the most pressing issues, and they affect the entire planet. Despite our population size compared to other nations, there is no reason why Republic of ireland cannot get a global leader in finding solutions.

Ireland'due south geographical position besides presents us with a unique opportunity. Nosotros are in an ideal location at the boundary of Europe to monitor air quality, and the island's small size makes it a useful testbed for new technologies that seek to address climatic change.

Ascent bounding main levels, greenhouse gas emissions and restoring Ireland's native forests are amongst the key areas of inquiry. Innovation that leads to products, processes and services that reduce the affect of human being-fabricated activities is something that must be encouraged to come from all walks of life.

Other opportunities for innovation could stem from the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both in terms of economical recovery and the demand for an ability to manage any future potential pandemics, delivering solutions will go along to be worth striving towards.

Whilst it remains a major point of discussion both in the media and in everyday life, Brexit is another example of where the opportunities may lie. Ensuring that Republic of ireland maintains strong connections with the UK, whilst as well increasing our role in Europe, can generate growth and evolution for all nations involved.

These are merely examples of some of the key issues our lodge faces. Community development, promoting Irish cultural arts and educating people near mental health issues will likewise crave innovators willing to step up with actionable solutions.

How they are being tackled

The breakthroughs tin come from anywhere, and can have a phenomenal impact. Businesses reducing their emissions through waste direction, and farmers attempting to do the same through innovations in cattle diet and breeding are strong examples.

In July 2021, Galway-based TAPAS project was awarded the SFI Future Innovator Prize. Lead by Prof Charles Spillane and Dr Aaron Golden, NUI Galway, they created an innovative tool for measuring the effectiveness of agronomical interventions for climate modify adaptation.

As a tool that can aid combat the challenges presented by climate change, its benefits can extend well beyond Ireland'southward shores. As an instance of how presenting a properly-researched solution to a societal event can lead to true modify, this project tin serve as inspiration for others to follow suit.

Renewable resources are not necessarily but relevant to climate change. Bioeconomy, and the pursuit of a more environmentally friendly economic system, is another source of connected research and innovation.

Farm Zero C is pb by Prof Kevin O'Connor, UCD is a project that seeks to have practical steps towards carbon-neutral dairy farms. Boosting biodiversity, whilst also reducing greenhouse emissions are steps that are beneficial to farmers both in terms of their carbon footprint and the future of their concern. The project works both in the lab and on the farm, carrying out trails at Shinagh Farm in West Cork, in collaboration with Carbery Group.

The goal of zero cyberspace carbon production from farms is an ambitious one, simply more chiefly the benefits bridge many different areas. The research includes studies on how planting different types of grasses and clovers on pastures and supporting hedgerows tin boost biodiversity and soil wellness, on using renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and on how changing what we feed livestock affects how much methane gas they produce.

How to become involved

Taking the first step of trying to sympathize the issues at play is unquestionably an of import one. Following that, getting involved in Creating Our Future is an impactful way to help find practical solutions.

Getting involved in Science Week 2021 presents a unique opportunity for people to go more than involved in building a amend future. Having direct input in research that leads to scientific advancements it not only an accomplishment to be immensely proud of, merely also further proves the fact that inspiration tin can come up from anywhere.

Taking place vii-14 Nov, the theme for Scientific discipline Week 2021 is Creating Our Future. Exercise you have an thought that researchers tin explore? To get involved in events taking identify online and across Ireland, and submit an idea, click here.