A leading Irish research institute has announced the establishment of up to five new fellowships worth in excess of €200,000 a year.
The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), which conducts research in the areas of theoretical physics, cosmic physics and Celtic studies, has received the funding for the fellowships from the Department of Education and Science.
The research awards, to be known as the Schroedinger (in science) and the Bergin fellowships (in Celtic studies), mean the institute will be able to employ up to five new specialists on medium term, non-renewable contracts for a maximum of five years.
According to Prof Tony Dorlas, director of the DIAS's School of Theoretical Physics, the establishment of the awards will enable it to bring in new research specialists.
"It will provide a fluid population of dynamic and productive individuals, while at the same time giving the fellows several years of stability to launch their academic careers from a well-resourced environment," he said.
"We'll be able to bring in brilliant new people to the country over a period of three to five years. They will bring a whole new enthusiasm and fresh thinking to the institute, and then move on. They will then be replaced, so there will be a new energy continually."
DIAS was established in 1940 to further advanced studies and conduct research in specialised areas of knowledge.
It is an independent statutory research body which is funded by, and reports directly to, the Department of Education and Science.
Among its non-executive council members are Dr Hugh Brady, president of University College Dublin, Dr John Hegarty, provost of Trinity College Dublin, and Dr Michael Ryan, president of the Royal Irish Academy.
Commenting on the decision to award the funding for the fellowships, a spokeswoman said it was in keeping with the Department's commitment to research and development of third-level education.