Policy, Innovation and Research Services

Policy, Innovation and Research Support Services LogoPolicy, Innovation and Research Services (PIRS) works to promote, coordinate and advance Irish marine research and to stimulate national and international research collaboration. Our team of research & innovation (R&I) policy professionals provides a range of services and activities linked to the Marine Institute mandate across a set of core functions and specific programme areas. These include:

Core functions:

  • Informing and influencing national and international R&I policy
  • Promoting and catalysing international cooperation in ocean science
  • Administering the Marine Research Funding Programme (~€12m p.a.)
  • Coordinating the national marine R&I strategy (Ocean Knowledge 2030)
  • Providing internal research support through the MI Research Office
  • Delivering target Ocean Economy supports through marine policy analysis and a Marine Socio-Economics Data & Evidence programme.

Specific Programme Areas

  • Our Shared Ocean Programme (DFA-funded programme for Small Island Developing States (See dedicated website)
  • EU/Atlantic Ocean Research coordination (Horizon Europe Coordination Actions: OKEANO and BlueMissionAA; WinBig)
  • Blue Bioeconomy: National R&I coordination
  • Support to the Marine Ireland Industry Network (MIIN)

Through these functions and programme areas, PIRS aims to raise the capacity and research performance of the Marine Institute and the Irish marine research community. In doing so we work to position Ireland as a leader in ocean knowledge, enhancing international partnerships and the benefit to policy, economy and society that can accrue from excellent marine research & innovation.

PIRS administers a competitive Marine Research Funding programme supported from our capital allocation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). With an annual investment in the range of €10m - €12m, the Marine Institute is the largest national funder of marine R&I. PIRS staff actively participate in key EU and International networks and forums including JPI Oceans and the European Marine Board.

Linked to the Marine Institute mandate we coordinate the development of national marine R&I strategies to guide, align and target national programmes and investments at areas of identified national strategic importance. The current strategy is Ocean Knowledge 2030, will be the key strategic framework for national research coordination in marine and ocean science for the period 2025-2030. As part of this we track marine research funding investments and foster coordination and collaboration among funders, government departments and marine research stakeholders through the work of the Marine Research Funders’ Forum.

PIRS also provides specific suite of targeted services and activities linked to the development of a sustainable ocean economy in Ireland. This includes analysis, advice and services in integrated maritime policy and marine socio-economics supporting national governance goals in marine management and sustainable development of the blue economy.

To learn more about our work and some of the specific programmes listed above, click on the relevant internal and external links provided below:

 Niall McDonough, Director of Policy, Innovation & Research Support Services. Photo Andrew Downes, XPOSURE.

Niall McDonough, Director of Policy, Innovation & Research Support Services