Minister Lawless spearheads Irish research mission to Massachusetts
Minister James Lawless led a landmark delegation to Massachusetts to foster collaboration in cutting-edge scientific fields. The visit aimed to advance Ireland's ambitions in biotechnology, quantum computing, and innovative healthcare solutions through partnerships with world-leading institutions.
Building international partnerships for scientific progress
The delegation is engaging with prestigious US universities and tech giants such as MIT, the University of Massachusetts, IBM, and Boston Scientific. This mission is part of Ireland’s strategy to transform groundbreaking scientific discoveries into new treatments, cutting-edge businesses, and sustainable jobs.
Minister Lawless emphasised Ireland’s commitment: "Our people remain our greatest asset. Through substantial investments exceeding €4.5 billion in further and higher education, including research infrastructure, we aim to convert knowledge into innovation, enterprise, and high-value employment." He highlighted Massachusetts’ Kendall Square as a global exemplar for fostering collaboration between academia, investors, and industry to accelerate scientific advances into practical applications.
Showcasing Irish innovation and fostering future growth
Ireland is investing €460 million in its new national research network, RINN, to support pioneering work in advanced therapies, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and quantum science. The delegation is showcasing research on personalised treatments for ovarian cancer and multiple sclerosis, medical devices promoting healthy ageing, and quantum technologies with broad industrial and healthcare applications.
Key meetings include Boston Scientific, which recently committed €75 million to expand its Galway campus and employs over 7,500 staff across Ireland. Discussions aim to deepen collaboration between their Irish operations and national research centres. At IBM, with a research lab at Trinity College Dublin and over 3,200 employees nationwide, the focus is on quantum computing breakthroughs and their potential role in healthcare innovation.
A highlight will be a flagship event at the MIT Museum presenting Irish pharmaceutical pioneers such as APC, illustrating how specialised research expertise can evolve into internationally successful enterprises.
Minister Lawless concluded: "The future’s most influential companies will emerge from today’s laboratory discoveries. We are determined that more of these breakthroughs become global treatments, transformative technologies, and thriving Irish businesses."
The mission involves Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Irish universities, research centres, and industry partners, exploring further researcher exchanges, academic partnerships, and cooperation with Massachusetts-based enterprises.