Breakout Sessions Registration (in-person only)

Breakout #1

1. The Path to Sustainable Research Practices

This SFI-IRC Summit breakout session will delve into how the research community can play its part, contributing to the achievement of Ireland’s climate targets and our transition to a sustainable future. Participants will gain insight into local and global best practices used to reduce the environmental impact of our work. Join us as we explore the journey to become the first country to adapt a holistic, proven and widely supported approach to sustainable research at national level.

Panel:

• James Connelly – Chief Executive Officer, My Green Lab
• Dr Una FitzGerald, CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, University of Galway
• Dr Ashley Callihane, Research Fellow, University College Dublin
• Dr Peter Clifford, Head of Strategy, SFI
• Moderator: Rebecca Wilson, Science Week Lead, SFI

Breakout #2

2. Interdisciplinary Research: Approaches and Opportunities

This SFI-IRC Summit breakout session will delve into the implications and opportunities of interdisciplinary research, showcasing the impact of such collaborations on innovation and society in Ireland. Participants will share insights, experiences, and best practices, underscoring the value of combining perspectives for holistic problem-solving. Join us as we explore the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research in driving progress and enriching our understanding of complex societal issues and scientific advancements.

Panel:
Dr Cathal McCrory, Co-Principal Investigator of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at TCD
Dr Susan Hegarty, Associate Professor at the DCU School of History and Geography
Dr John Dooley, Associate Professor at the Department of Electronic Engineering in Maynooth University
Moderator: Anna Davies, SFI Programme Administration Manager

Breakout #3

3. Addressing Societal Challenges to Create A Better World

This SFI-IRC Summit breakout session will delve into the role that research plays in addressing complex and dynamic societal challenges that extend beyond disciplines and beyond international borders. “A Better World” as Irelands policy for international development, outlines Ireland’s vision of a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world. Participants in this panel will reflect on mechanisms to support interdisciplinary research that address complex societal challenges, and support progress in achieving this vision. In doing so, the participants will critically reflect on the input of diverse and international teams working together and with society. Join us as we explore the opportunities and barriers encountered by research to effectively address dynamic real-world problems through innovation, co-creation and collaboration.

Panel:
Brenda Blake, Programme Manager, Irish Research Council, COALESCE and New Foundations
Chris Pain, Development Specialist, Irish Aid, Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade / David Kenny, HEO, Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Dr Nicola Mountford MU, Associate Professor in Management at Maynooth University’s School of Business
Prof Sean Doyle, Maynooth University, Dept. Biology
Dr Ehiaze Ehimen, Senior Research Fellow, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo
Moderators: Dr Maysoun Mustafa, Scientific Programme Manager, Challenge Research, SFI
Teresa Brophy Scientific Programme Manager, Challenge Research, SFI

Breakout #4

4. Using LinkedIn to Build your Professional Network

Presented by Cathy Cullen, Digital Director, Drury PR. This breakout session will help participants explore ways of leveraging LinkedIn to enhance your professional network, better engage with the research and enterprise community, and showcase your work. The session will include an overview of the LinkedIn algorithm, peer to peer examples, and advice for creating content within your busy schedule. The session will be delivered by Cathy Cullen, Digital Director of Drury PR. Cathy is a communications professional who regularly advises government bodies, corporate organisations and higher education institutions, supporting clients across Ireland in enhancing their reputation and impact.

Breakout #5

5. Impact 2030 – Policy in Practice

In line with Pillar One of Impact 2030, namely maximising research and innovation impact on the economy, society and the environment, this panel aims to foster constructive dialogue between researchers and policymakers. Representatives from the Evidence for Policy Unit at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) will present preliminary findings from a departmental consultation with researchers on maximising the impact of research in policy development. That includes requests for clearer information on the policy development process and guidance on how to input into that. DFHERIS will then introduce a panel of policy practitioners and researchers who will share their experience with evidence-informed policy making and insights on its impact on society. Ample space will be given to Q&A, enabling the audience to meaningfully engage with presenters.

Panel:
Dr Jennifer Brennan, Research and Innovation Strategy Lead, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Prof Lorraine Leeson, Associate Vice Provost for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Professor in Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin
Prof Brian Ó Gallachóir – Director of the MaREI SFI Research Centre for Energy Climate and Marine, and Professor of Energy Engineering at UCC
Ciara Pidgeon, Principal Officer, Research and Evaluation, Dept. of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Moderators: Trudy Duffy, Principal Officer, Head of Evidence for Policy, Dept Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Breakout #6

6. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: A new strategy to support an inclusive research and innovation ecosystem

SFI’s external EDI Strategy 2023-2028 sets out the agency’s vision, goals and key objectives towards attaining an inclusive research and innovation system. This new Strategy reflects the outcomes of an extensive review of best practice, a detailed analysis of SFI data and broad consultation with stakeholders, including representatives of Historically Underserved Communities. Workshop attendees will be asked to share their views on how we can collectively achieve the goals and objectives articulated, and a solution-oriented approach will be facilitated to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

NOTE: This session will also be open to Livestream virtual delegates to join online. Zoom details will be shared.

Panel:
Dr Emer Cahill, Programme Manager, Irish Research Council
Dr Suz Garrard, Programme Officer, Research Policy, SFI
Moderator: Dr Marion Boland, Head of Research Policy at SFI

Breakout #7

7. The Path to Sustainable Laboratory Practices

This SFI-IRC Summit breakout session will delve into how funders and the research community can together contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate targets. Participants will gain insight into local and global best practices used to reduce the environmental impact of research carried out in laboratories. Join us as we explore the journey to becoming the first country to adopt, at a national level, a holistic, proven and widely supported approach to sustainable research.

Panel:
James Connelly – Chief Executive Officer, My Green Lab
Dr Una FitzGerald, CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, University of Galway
Dr Ashley Callihane, Research Fellow, University College Dublin Dr Peter Clifford, Head of Strategy, SFI
Moderator: Rebecca Wilson, Science Week Lead, SFI