NUI Galway has welcomed today's announcement by Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., regarding an allocation of €6,147,900 to enhance research facilities at the University. The funding has been specifically allocated to improve research space and facilities in Biomedical Science and Engineering which is one of the University's designated research priority areas. Improvement in the research space and working conditions in this area of NUI Galway's research portfolio will enhance research training and support efforts to increase the number of PhD students in an area which is not only important to the University but to the region and the country. Welcoming the funding boost, Professor Nicholas Canny, Vice-President for Research at NUI Galway, said, "Researchers from the several academic disciplines associated with Biomedical Science and Engineering have succeeded beyond all expectations in raising research funding from an extraordinarily wide range of sources. This enhancement to their research space is no more than they deserve and will enable their research to attain new heights in the months and years ahead". The allocation is part of a €58m scheme being managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Education and Science, for the refurbishment of research facilities at third-level institutions. The level of funding allocated to each of 20 institutions was based on applications received and assessed by a panel representing the Department and the HEA. Announcing the funding for the successful bidding institutions, Minister Hanafin said, "Continued strong investment in research infrastructure sends a very important message that Ireland is serious about research. Attracting first class researchers and delivering world-class research in a globally competitive environment is paramount. The training of future researchers will ultimately bring economic and social benefits nationally". A recent HEA/Forfás Research Infrastructure Review had identified shortfalls in research infrastructure. "This funding will assist in addressing these shortfalls and enhance the capabilities of the institutions," said Minister Hanafin. -ends-