Two researchers from South East Technological University, Dr Owen Naughton and Dr Ashish Vashishtha, are among the successful recipients of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Public Service Fellowship programme.
On Wednesday last, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, announced on Wednesday last that 14 researchers will receive funding through the programme.
The fellowships help to foster innovation and provide an evidence base for policy, through close collaboration and engagement between the public sector and the academic research community. They last for one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).
Research plays a significant role
Announcing the awards, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris said: “I am delighted that this funding through the SFI Public Service Fellowship Programme spans 11 Government departments and agencies. Research plays a significant role in helping Government and Public Sector address national and global challenges, including climate change, health and well-being, food security, transport and digital transformation.”
“This targeted immersion and integration of research expertise in our public service represents a win-win partnership for participating researchers and government entities alike, and fully aligns with departmental efforts to strengthen connectivity between the sectors.”
The programme offers academic researchers an opportunity to be temporarily seconded to Government departments and agencies to work on specific collaborative research projects.
Welcoming the news Dr Frances Hardiman, Head of Engineering Faculty Carlow said, “The Faculty of Engineering and engCORE Research Centre in SETU is delighted to support our key researchers, Dr Ashish Vashishtha and Dr Owen Naughton, as they lead on critical research for the public sector. Many congratulations to both on their success and thank you to the Department of Defence and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, for partnering with SETU on this research venture.”
Dr Ashish Vashishtha
Experienced researcher and research supervisor, Dr Ashish Vashishtha, PhD, MTech, BTech, MRAeS is a Project Investigator and lecturer at the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at SETU in Carlow. With his postdoctoral experiences at the University of Galway and Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, India, he developed a deep interest in green energy technologies, as well as hypersonic propulsion and detonation combustion. Dr Vashishtha has secured this funding for research in “Horizon Scanning for Future Technology Capability Development needs of the Defence Forces” partnering with Ireland’s Department of Defence.
Dr Owen Naughton
Dr Owen Naughton, BA, BAI, PhD is a Lecturer in Environmental Engineering at SETU in Carlow, and has published many research papers and reports and has been featured in various peer-reviewed journals. His research interests are transdisciplinary with a focus on hydrology and ecosystem research, and much of his work ties in closely with the implementation of the EU Habitats, Floods and Water Framework Directives. His research aims to use environmental observation, analysis and modelling techniques to develop an understanding of the structure and function of ecosystems, and adaptive capacity to environmental change.
Dr Naughton was successful in securing this funding for his project entitled “Translating research into actionable policy: developing a habitat research framework for Ireland” in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of Ireland.