Taoiseach Michéal Martin T.D. has today launched the second phase of the cross border Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) programme with an investment of €21.3 million to train 42 fellows in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. A total of 81 fellows will be supported over both cycles of the programme.

The Taoiseach said:

“Our Government is deeply committed to research and innovation and its role in the future of healthcare. Investment of this scale and with this strategic outlook will help to position Ireland as a place where top-class researchers and innovators are afforded the opportunity to strive for lasting, impactful change which tackle challenges of our time.

“The ICAT Programme has proven to be a catalyst for some of the brightest minds in healthcare and I am delighted to see the ambition in phase 2 of the programme.”

Dr Mairéad O Driscoll, Chief Executive of the Health Research Board added:

“The HRB is committed to supporting a thriving research ecosystem that improves health and social care services in Ireland and makes a real difference to people’s lives.

“The ICAT programme exemplifies this, and we are delighted to extend its first round of funding into an expanded phase two that now includes dentists and veterinarians alongside doctors and medics.

“This multidisciplinary, collaborative, all-Ireland programme will attract, train and retain a new generation of world-class clinical health researchers that will drive the integration of research and evidence into policy and practice, and improve decision-making and health outcomes.”

The full release is availble from the NUI Galway website.

All-Island Irish Clinical Academic Training programme at University of Galway