Introduction

The Institute focuses its research activities into; Strategic Research Centres (SRC’s) and Recognised Research Groups (RRG’s) as follows:

Strategic Research Centres (SRC’s)

The objective of the Strategic Research Centres (SRC’s) is to build critical mass that will result in greater engagement by staff in research in specific areas, a significant increase in the number of research students, an increase in the number and scale of successful funding applications, and a higher number of peer reviewed publications.  The Strategic Research Centres (SRCs) are pan-institutional in nature as their research activities span across the School of Business and Social Sciences, the School of Engineering and Design and the School of Science.  A short description of each SRC is given below.  More detailed information on each can be found on the navigation pane above right.

The Centre for Environmental Research Innovation and Sustainability (CERIS )

CERIS provides a resource for key applied international research needs in the areas of Applied Ecology and Resource Management. CERIS brings together a cohort of experienced researchers in the School of Science and School of Engineering and Design to successfully compete for funding; network and work with international scientists; and develop innovative and sustainable research areas.  CERIS has nine Principle Investigators (PIs), two senior academic researchers and fifteen postgraduate students.

Precision Engineering, Materials & Manufacturing research Centre  (The PEM Centre)

The PEM Centre builds on the Institute’s research strengths in material science, laser processing, micro-machining, polymer processing, rapid prototyping, general manufacturing process control and statistical process analysis. The PEM SRC structure provides our Principal Investigators, who have all individually demonstrated notable research achievements through engagement with industry, a platform to consolidate our groups, experience, expertise and resources. The PEM Centre comprises of five Principal Investigators, two senior academic researchers, three postdocs and three postgraduates.

The Centre for Research in the Social Professions (CRiSP)

CRiSP is a multidisciplinary research centre, researching social policies and practices impacting on people’s daily lives. In partnership with social professionals and local communities, CRiSP has developed its mission of improving the quality of life for people living within the region. For this work to happen, CRiSP utilises the knowledge, skills and expertise of local people, researchers from across IT Sligo, and international, national and local partners (e.g. North American and European academic partners; national and local government; statutory, private and voluntary sector agencies).

Recognised Research Groups (RRG’s)

Information on Recognised Research Groups can be found here.