Departmental Inquiries

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Questions (1169)

Jen Cummins

Question:

1169. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to establish a research and science forum of industry and research experts similar to the Responsible Business Forum. [62943/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Under Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy, my Department is progressing the establishment of a new Research and Innovation Policy Advisory Forum. As Minister, I will be chairing this new Research and Innovation Advisory Forum. The Forum will provide a formal structure for engagement between members of the research and innovation community and policy makers. Membership will comprise individuals with appropriate and relevant expertise in research and innovation, from both systems and industry perspectives. The Forum will be tasked with examining and advising on key policy considerations to support our drive for a cohesive, responsive and impactful public research system, a world-class innovation ecosystem, and our ambitions for international innovation leadership. It is intended that the first meeting of the new formation will take place in early 2026.

In addition to the Research and Innovation Policy Advisory Forum, my Department is also in the process of establishing a National Science Advice Forum which will assist the Government Science Advisor. A call for expressions of interest closed in late October. It is intended that the forum will consist of up to twelve experts drawn from those with internationally recognised scientific expertise in a range of key disciplines. Its membership will include experts that have credibility in translating science for the purpose of policy.? Membership will be for a period of three years. The Government Science Advisor wishes to have access to all types of good quality science that can contribute to the issues at hand, this includes natural sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities. Expressions of interest were invited from both academics and practitioners.