Science Statistics
Science Statistics
R&D Statistics
For the latest statistics on research and development in Ireland see the following Forfás publication:
Research and Development Statistics in Ireland 2009 - at a glance
For an explanation of the main ststistics used to compare research investment between countries see
RD stats (PDF, 1 page, 109KB).
Research Institutions
Ireland has 7 Universities and 14 Institutes of Technology. In addition, it has a number of publicly-supported, specialised research institutions including; the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Teagasc (Agriculture and Food Development Authority) and the Marine Institute.
Investment in Research
- Gross Expenditure on R&D in Ireland in 2006 amounted to €2.3 billion (1.6% of GNP), an increase of 14% over the previous year. Public sources accounted for 33% of this investment.
- Public funding of R&D increased by more than 300% in real terms in the decade 1996 - 2006.
- Public investment in science, technology and innovation under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 will amount to €8.2 billion.
Human Capital in Research
- 28% of all third-level graduations in 2005 were in the disciplines of Science and Engineering;
- 810 PhDs were awarded in Irish institutions in 2005; 462 of these were in the disciplines of Science and Engineering;
- The target under the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation is to increase the annual PhD output to 1,300 by 2013.
Snapshot of the Economy: Exports 2007 (€153 bn)
