Strategic Plan for Research, Innovation and Impact
At South East Technological University (SETU), research is a catalyst for positive change — in our region, across Ireland, and globally. Our Strategic Plan for Research, Innovation and Impact, Connecting Research to Impact 2025–2028, sets out an ambitious roadmap for advancing SETU’s mission as a research-intensive technological university, focused on excellence, relevance, and collaboration.
This plan builds on SETU’s strong research foundations and sets out our strategic priorities for the next four years. It reflects our commitment to delivering impact through research and innovation that is engaged, inclusive and globally informed — with the south east of Ireland at its core.
Our Vision
To be a leader in impactful, inclusive, and collaborative research and innovation that transforms lives, strengthens enterprise, and enriches society — locally, nationally and internationally.
Our Mission
To grow and support a dynamic and diverse research ecosystem that empowers people, drives innovation, and builds capacity through strategic partnerships, excellent research, and knowledge transfer.
Strategic Priorities
SETU will achieve its goals by focusing on four capacity-building priorities:
- Strengthening and diversifying research, innovation and knowledge transfer;
We will build critical mass across SETU’s research themes, support emerging areas of excellence, and expand our research income and outputs. - People, research culture and environment;
We will develop a supportive and inclusive environment that enables researchers at all stages to thrive, with strong research leadership and a positive culture of collaboration, creativity and integrity. - Growth of a vibrant, diverse and ambitious postgraduate research community;
We will expand and enhance our research postgraduate education, providing excellent supervision, tailored training, and clear pathways for career development. - Engaged, inclusive and impactful research and knowledge transfer;
We will deepen engagement with regional, national and international partners to co-create research and drive innovation that addresses societal, environmental, cultural and economic challenges.
Research Themes
Our research is aligned with seven interdisciplinary themes that reflect SETU’s strengths and respond to societal needs:
- Information and communication technologies,
- Environment, bioeconomy and sustainability,
- Pharmaceutical, chemical and biological sciences,
- Engineering and advanced manufacturing,
- Health, well-being, sport and physical activity,
- Business, finance, entrepreneurship and management practice,
- Creativity, culture and society.
Enabling Success
To deliver on this strategy, we will:
- Invest in research infrastructure and systems,
- Strengthen supports for research funding, commercialisation and collaboration,
- Embed equality, diversity and inclusion in research culture,
- Promote open, transparent, and responsible research practices,
- Showcase the impact of SETU research and innovation locally and globally.
Read the Strategy
Download the full strategic plan:
Join Us in Connecting Research to Impact
We invite researchers, students, industry partners, policymakers, and communities to work with SETU in delivering research that matters. Whether you're looking to collaborate, invest, or pursue a research degree, SETU is ready to connect for impact.
Contact us by Email: [email protected]