Kildare-based university researchers awarded funding for science and engineering projects

Two researchers based in a well-known County Kildare university were awarded funding yesterday (June 4 last) for their science and engineering projects.

Dr Joost Slingerland from Maynooth University's Department of Physics and Dr John Dooley from Maynooth University's Department of Electronic Engineering were among the researchers who were awarded funding for their respective projects.

LEFT: Dr Joost Slingerland from Maynooth University's Department of Physics. RIGHT: Dr John Dooley from Maynooth University's Department of Electronic Engineering. Photograph credit: maynoothuniversity.ie

A total of €4.95 million was allocated to the projects through the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)-Research Ireland Joint Funding of Research Programme, which is the UK's main government agency for funding research and training in both engineering and the physical sciences.

The agency is notably partnered with Science Foundation Ireland and Research Ireland — speaking about this partnership, Professor Charlotte Deane, the executive chair of the EPSRC, said that it allows the UK and Irish research communities "to work together to advance engineering and physical sciences".

Prof Deane added that the projects which were granted funding "further demonstrate the strength and breadth of the UK-Ireland research collaborations which will benefit both countries".

THE PROJECTS

Dr Slingerland and Dr Zlatko Papic (University of Leeds) are collaborating on a project titled 'Emergence of partons in topological quantum matter far from equilibrium'.

According to the summary on Maynooth University's official website: "Topologically robust materials have useful properties that could be used to make ultra-low power electronic devices.

"By studying these materials in ambient conditions, this project will improve understanding of how to use topological materials in real-world settings, such as in the emerging field of quantum computing."

Meanwhile, Dr Dooley and Dr Roberto Quaglia (Cardiff University) are collaborating on a project titled 'Multi-domain configurable power amplifiers for software-defined RF transmitters — MUST-RF'.

Explaining the nature of this project, Maynooth University said: "This project will propose new solutions for the design of radio frequency power amplifiers that are more sustainable and can meet demand for increased wireless connectivity, that are essential for the growth of future technologies such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities."

Further information on the EPSRC-Research Ireland Joint Funding of Research Programme can be found here.

Maynooth University made headlines last week when it was announced that the university has launched a joint Regional Graduate Academy with Dundalk IT.

In addition, it was reported back in April that Maynooth University was allocated €845,000 in funding as part of the Discover Awards.

READ NEXT: Three Kildare community projects will share €166,000 in funding