‘Early response’ determined Ireland’s Covid research success

Reports highlight how fast-track funding and pivoting focus made meaningful impact on pandemic response

Researchers in Ireland contributed meaningfully to the global research response to Covid-19, despite facing major challenges, according to the 2020 annual report released by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).

The report, published this month, highlights some of the ways the Irish research community helped address the global crisis. Researchers across higher education institutions provided expertise in contact-tracing and manufacturing, donated equipment and essential supplies, and provided staff and facilities for testing, modelling and 3D printing, the report found.