The meeting was very constructive, covering various topics affecting Irish research staff, with the precarity of researcher careers being a key issue underpinning the discussion. We discussed researcher representation on decision making bodies, and the need for researchers to be consulted on the content of the national Researcher Career Framework.
Another key point was the importance of collating reliable data on researcher numbers & career trajectories, which is required to inform policy with regard to research careers.
We also discussed future research policy, Horizon Europe, impacts of Brexit, UNESCO commitments and full-cost extensions to projects interrupted by COVID-19. We look forward to continued consultation with the Minister on these topics and to supporting the Irish HEI research performing sector.
The IrishRSA consists of members from TCD, UCC, UCD, NUIG, MU and RCSI but actively welcomes research staff from all HEIs across the island of Ireland to contact us and join the association (irishrsa@gmail.com).
Many thanks to Minister’s office for this photograph. Left to right: Dr Rosarii Griffin (UCC, Treasurer of Irish RSA), Minister Simon Harris (Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science), Dr Andrew P. Allen (TCD, Chair of Irish RSA)