PhD STUDENT grants are to be doubled and research funding for universities and small firms increased with the extra £4 million Budget allocation for science and technology.
The Minister of State for Commerce, Science and Technology, Mr Pat Rabbitte, announced details yesterday of the additional spending which includes £700,000 for applied industry research in third level colleges a doubling of the PhD student grant to £2,000 a year a £700,000 increase in the allocation for the Techstart Scheme which supports small firms taking on college graduates an extra £300,000 for the development of technology service centres by the RTCs.
The spending follows recommendations in the Tierney Report, prepared by the Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council under the chairmanship of Mr Dan Tierney.
There is also a new scheme to fund five two year post doctoral fellowships per annum, costing £100,000.
Another £200,000 is provided to foster development of bilateral research contacts linking Irish scientists with researchers overseas.