Ireland has launched a new research and innovation funding agency that will amalgamate the activities and functions of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC).

Taighde Éireann (Research Ireland) will operate under the aegis of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in collaboration with the Higher Education Authority, Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Agency and other research funding agencies.

SFI and the IRC will now be dissolved.

The creation of the new agency is central to delivering the elements of Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy.

One of its primary responsibilities will be to develop national capacity to respond to “grand challenges”, including digital transitions, by using integrated approaches from scientific, behavioural, economic, and cultural perspectives.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan said it was a significant day for the research and innovation community.

“The establishment of Taighde Éireann (Research Ireland) represents a step-change in how research and innovation will be funded, maximising the impact of national competitive research and innovation funding,” Mr O’Donovan said.

“This new agency will be a vital support in building the successful future of research and innovation in Ireland, engaging national challenges like the green and digital transitions, and boosting our international standing as research innovators in emerging fields and the opportunities ahead.

“The establishment of this new agency is a real opportunity to develop an enhanced new approach, fully integrating all aspects of the research and innovation ecosystem.”

Celine Fitzgerald, former CEO of the National Screening Service, has been appointed CEO of the new agency on a temporary basis, pending the recruitment of a new permanent CEO.

Ms Fitzgerald was previously CEO of the non-governmental organisation, Goal Global, and the healthcare communications and support solutions company Rigney Dolphin. She has held non-executive roles at Permanent TSB Holdings and VHI Health.

Michael Horgan, former chair of the Higher Education Authority and the Health and Safety Authority, has been appointed chair of the new agency’s board. Mr Horgan previously held the position of chief executive at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.