“CLARITY is a fine example of how high quality research and tangible industry engagement can deliver economic and societal benefits to Ireland”. Lenihan
Minister Lenihan addresses CLARITY Science Open Day: “Bringing Information to Life”
The Minister for Science Technology & Innovation, Mr Conor Lenihan TD today (Monday 23rd November 2009) launched the CLARITY Science Foundation Ireland CSET Science Open Day in the O’Reilly Hall, UCD. CLARITY is a world-class research centre for Sensor Technologies. Over 200 people participated in the event, which provided an opportunity for CLARITY researchers to showcase the innovative research taking place within this SFI CSET, in the form of talks, demonstrations and posters.
Addressing the event Minister Lenihan stated that “The SFI CSETS have changed the way in which research has been carried out here in Ireland over the past 6 years. The ever increasing collaborations across the 10 SFI CSETs and their 130+ industry partners is proving very effective and really encapsulates the essence of the Government’s drive towards a truly Smart Economy in Ireland.”
The core aim of this innovative research centre is ‘bringing information to life’ by using sensors to bridge the gap between the physical world and the vast quantity of digital information available through the internet.
Minister Lenihan added “In order to initiate sustained economic recovery, Ireland needs to maintain its competitive advantage by investing in specialised research areas such as this, that can engage with industry and create spinout companies at the same time.”
Concluding his comments the Minister added “Scientific discoveries can only progress to commercial outputs when engagement between research and industry is strong. Equally, the potential for spin-off companies and pioneering activities is only realised when the creativity from our research laboratories is nurtured and supported. I am delighted to see that the SFI funded CLARITY CSET is delivering on all of the fronts so far. “
CLARITY currently engages with over a dozen industry partners, including Critical Path, Changing Worlds, IBM, Vodafone, Foster Miller, Disney and Episensor. In addition HeyStacks (www.heystaks.com) the social web search platform company, is a spin-out company established by researchers based at CLARITY.
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For further information, please contact:
For more information about research at CLARITY please contact Dr Bridget Kelly, bridget.kelly@ucd.ie, 01 7162644
Alva O'Cleirigh, Communications Manager, SFI, +353 1 607 3249.
Note for Editors
- CLARITY is a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) between University College Dublin and Dublin City University, supported by research at the Tyndall National Institute, Cork. It was established in mid-2008 with Government funding being provided through SFI with an award over a five year to 2012, of ¤11.8m.
- Industry partners involved are: Analog Devices (Ireland), British Telecom BT (UK), Changing Worlds (Europe), FAST Search and Transfer (Microsoft Subsidiary), Foster Miller Inc, FXPAL, Humana, IBM Research (USA), Microsoft Research, Oracle, Samsung Electronics, Telefonica R&D, Valentia, Vodafone (Ireland), Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development Inc, Critical Path (Software), Inc, Fairview Analytics, Zignals Inc
- CLARITY is one of 10 research centres of excellence in Ireland funded by SFI under their CSET programme, which is dedicated to advancing Ireland’s smart economy through cutting-edge research and development.
- Forging innovative partnerships with industry, government and academia, the centres add value to Ireland through job creation, inward investment and international excellence in science, engineering and technology.
- CLARITY draws together scientists from many disparate areas (e.g., computer science, materials science, device engineering, physiotherapy and sports science) and key industry partners covering a range of important market sectors (including, for example, information technology, telecommunications, digital media, medical devices).
- “Bringing Information to life” is the overarching theme of CLARITY’s research programme. This refers to the harvesting and harnessing of large volumes of sensed information, from both the physical world in which we live, and the digital world of modern communications & computing.
- The technology developed by CLARITY helps to empower citizens by helping them reduce the information overload problem currently facing individuals. This will help to ensure that everyone has access to the right information at the right time.
- A variety of research projects were showcased at the CLARITY OPEN Day including:
- HeyStacks (www.heystaks.com) the social web search platform company, developed by CLARITY researchers, which recently won the UNICA Entrepreneurship award. HeyStaks makes it easier for internet users to organise and share their internet search experiences without having to leave their favourite search engines.
- Buildings account for 40% of all energy and more than 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions. One project within CLARITY focuses on energy conservation through the development of intelligent systems which can monitor energy usage in homes and buildings with a view to reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.
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Last modified: 23/11/2009
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