University of Limerick to make major investment to recruit of world-class research talent

UNIVERSITY of Limerick is to make a multi-million-euro investment in research talent as part of a global recruitment campaign.

The institution has launched ‘UL Changemakers’.

It's an internationally focused recruitment campaign designed to attract researchers.

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The investment in talent is targeted at recruiting excellent academics from around the world who are seeking opportunities to advance their careers in a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performing research environment.

Some 35 academic posts are opening across the organisation.

These are in areas such as social justice, democratic resilience, artificial intelligence, plus pharmaceutical science and bioprocessing.

A number of other posts are also available in the Kemmy Business School.

UL Changemakers aims to strengthen the University’s research performance. 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless said: "I am very encouraged to see University of Limerick stepping forward with an initiative such as this. The move to launch UL Changemakers is most welcome, and aligns perfectly with the approach that I and my Department have been taking to make Ireland a welcoming and desirable location for top international researchers.

"The importance of a programme such as this will be felt for a long time to come, as it will underpin and support a number of the disciplines that will be vital to the future development of our economy and our society. I look forward to seeing the impact that this programme can make."

Launching the campaign, acting president Prof Shane Kilcommins said: “UL Changemakers represents a bold and necessary investment in the power of research to shape a better future. At UL, we believe that world class scholarship does more than advance knowledge, it informs policy, strengthens communities, and delivers meaningful benefits to society. By attracting exceptional researchers from across the globe, we are deepening our capacity to address humanity’s greatest challenges and expanding the intellectual horizons that drive discovery."

“This initiative signals our commitment to a research culture that is ambitious, inclusive, and internationally competitive.

Prof Kevin Ryan, Vice President Research and Innovation said: “We are seeking researchers who not only excel in their disciplines, but who are eager to challenge conventions, push boundaries, inspire innovation and deliver research that makes a real difference in society. We are looking for changemakers.

“Our research performance will become a defining factor of UL in the future, and we must ensure the supports are in place to enable our excellent research talent to flourish, to inspire innovation and to drive sustainable economic growth in Ireland.

“As we transition into a research-intensive university, research must be front and centre embedded into the UL culture, where we create an immersive research environment to champion excellent research.”

UL Foundation board member, Dick Meaney added: “On behalf of the University Foundation, I am delighted to mark the launch of this ambitious new research project. Supporting initiatives like this is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission - projects that bring together talented researchers, bold ideas, and the potential for real-world impact.

“We are committed to helping secure funding to support the establishment of the professorships and PhD scholarships that will sustain this work for years to come. Investment in scholars at every stage of their journey is what truly drives innovation and discovery. Today represents the beginning of an exciting journey. We are proud to stand behind the vision, energy, and excellence that this project embodies and look forward to attracting new partners and making a meaningful contribution within the University and far beyond.”

All information is available on www.ul.ie/changemakers.