Post by Bernal Institute, University of Limerick

🚀 Momentum builds in Ireland’s research infrastructure – and the Bernal Institute is proud to be part of the success We welcome today’s announcement by Minister James Lawless of a €17 million investment through the Research Ireland Infrastructure Programme, supporting nine cutting-edge projects across the country. At the Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, we are delighted to contribute to this national capability through our funded project: 🔬 Surface to Structure (S2S): Advanced Microscopy Suite Led by Professor Shalini Singh, with lead instrument scientist Dr Serguei Belochapkine S2S will deliver a state-of-the-art platform for high resolution imaging and advanced sample preparation, enabling researchers and industry to observe materials at micro and nanoscale under real-world environmental conditions. This capability will: ✔️ Unlock new insights into material behaviour under heat, moisture and external stimuli ✔️ Enable breakthrough research across advanced materials, MedTech, energy and environmental applications ✔️ Support innovation in metals, composites and bio-based materials ✔️ Strengthen Ireland’s position in globally competitive research and industry collaboration 💡 Aligned to Bernal’s research pillars: • Advanced Enabling Technologies • Energy Research • Bio³ (Pharma, Sciences & Engineering) • Resilient & Sustainable Materials Each pillar is driven by world-class academic leaders, connecting discovery to real-world impact. 🤝 A strategic investment in national capability This infrastructure has been made possible through the continued support of our strategic industry partners, reflecting strong alignment between research excellence and real-world application. It reinforces the Bernal Institute’s role as a national and international hub, providing: 🔹 Open access to world-class infrastructure 🔹 Direct collaboration opportunities for industry 🔹 A platform for academic and industrial partners to co-create solutions 🌍 As highlighted by Diarmuid O’Brien, investments like this are key to future-proofing Ireland’s research ecosystem. At Bernal, we are committed to ensuring this infrastructure delivers impact from fundamental discovery to industrial deployment. The picture depicts the planning phase of the submission. A demonstration of our Academics collaborating under the directorship and leadership of Professor Sarah Hudson https://lnkd.in/dnCUBwf6 https://attlas.ie #ResearchIreland #BernalInstitute #UniversityOfLimerick #ResearchInfrastructure #Innovation #AdvancedMaterials #MedTech #Energy #Sustainability #IndustryCollaboration #Bioeconomy Shalini Singh Sarah Hudson Ronan Courtney Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick