Irish Universities Association

07/07/2026

In our Pre-Budget 2027 Submission, we are calling on Government to honour the commitments made under Funding the Future and invest in the advanced skills, research capacity and talent pipeline on which Ireland's future prosperity depends.

Our priorities include:
🔵 €190.2 million in core funding
🔵 €250 million Digital Infrastructure Programme
🔵 €475 million Decarbonisation Programme
🔵 Reform of fiscal rules to enable strategic investment through the National Training Fund

The costs of action are known, targeted and time-bound. The costs of inaction will be far greater.

Read more: https://www.iua.ie/submissions/pre-budget-2027-submission/

Minister James Lawless TD, Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation & Science, DCU, Maynooth University, University College Cork, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, University of Galway, University of Limerick

12/06/2026

🎙️ Speaking on The Business Post podcast, Paul Johnston shared his views on the role of universities in developing talent, supporting innovation and strengthening Ireland's competitiveness. Paul discussed the IUA's mission to represent the university sector, act as an interface between higher education, business and government, and make the case for sustained investment in one of Ireland's greatest assets: its people.

The conversation also explored Ireland's opportunity to strengthen its indigenous research and innovation ecosystem, the challenges facing the higher education sector, and the priorities outlined in the IUA's Pre-Budget 2027 Submission, which will be published next week.

The podcast also touched on Paul's previous role as British Ambassador to Ireland and his perspectives on British-Irish relations and international affairs.

To listen to Paul's full conversation, click the link below ⬇️

This week's guest is Paul Johnston, current Director General of the...

07/05/2026

As Minister James Lawless TD highlights “Our competitiveness, our innovation capacity and our long‑term economic resilience will depend on whether we invest now, not later, in the skills of our people” As we are now in a period of rapid technological disruption. IUA Universities are responding by preparing graduates to be ready for what’s next through both transversal skills in conjunction with discipline expertise.


Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation & Science, University of Limerick

27/04/2026

As technologies evolve and energy demands grow, universities are preparing students to be ready for what’s next. Through industry-informed learning, students like Dale in DCU are building the skills needed to power Ireland’s sustainable future - From optimising energy systems to reducing consumption, their work is already shaping real-world solutions.

22/04/2026

Through industry-informed learning, students in Maynooth University are developing the skills Ireland’s healthcare system depends on. From the lab to real-world application, that work is already making a difference.
As technologies evolve and work practices continue to change, universities are adapting in real time, ensuring students are equipped with the skills needed across every sector.

02/04/2026

“I would say that I’m very openly and proudly autistic” - Matthew Smith DCU Graduate.🎓 IUA universities are continually working to build more inclusive, supportive campuses for neurodivergent students. Today, on World Autism Awareness Day, we’re spotlighting the work of Dublin City University - the world’s first designated autism-friendly university.

From campus-wide sensory audits to quiet zones, sensory pods in the library, and thoughtful “escape hatches” in busy spaces, DCU has embedded inclusion into the student experience. Alongside this, university-wide staff training is helping to foster a culture of understanding and support.

This is just one example of the impact of this work, supporting talented, passionate students to pursue their ambitions in environments where they can thrive.

🎥This clip is from Episode 1 of My Uni Life, catch the full series on our YouTube channel.

DCU Access