UK-Ireland Research Collaboration: UKRI MoU with AHRC and MRC Ushers in New Era of Partnership

The Announcement of the UKRI-Research Ireland MoU

On March 13, 2026, coinciding with the second UK-Ireland Summit in Cork, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Research Ireland signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement marks a significant step in deepening cross-border research ties between the United Kingdom and Ireland. Representing UKRI was Professor Christopher Smith, the organisation's International Champion and Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of Research Ireland, signed on behalf of his organisation.

The MoU provides a framework for expanded collaboration, building on existing partnerships and opening doors to new opportunities in critical research domains. It aligns with both governments' ambitions to foster economic growth through innovation, knowledge exchange, and co-investment in research infrastructure and talent development.

Background on UKRI and Research Ireland

UKRI, established in 2018, is the UK's largest public funder of research and innovation, encompassing nine councils including AHRC and the Medical Research Council (MRC). It invests over £8 billion annually to advance science, knowledge, and societal benefits across disciplines.

Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council, funds frontier research and talent development. Its recent strategy emphasises talent, economy, and society themes, making the MoU a natural fit.

Post-Brexit, such partnerships are vital for UK universities to maintain global competitiveness, access shared talent pools, and participate in European funding schemes indirectly through Irish gateways.

Key Provisions and Focus Areas of the MoU

The MoU facilitates joint research, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange. Priority areas include:

• Telecommunications for next-generation networks.
• Advanced materials for sustainable technologies.
• Quantum technologies for secure computing.
• Creative industries, encompassing design, digital content, and cultural innovation.
• Biomedical research, including vaccines and health challenges.

These align with UK universities' strengths, such as quantum research at Oxford and Bristol, and creative sectors at institutions like Goldsmiths, University of London.

The Role of AHRC in Creative Economy Collaboration

AHRC leads the UK-Ireland creative economy initiative, launched in January 2026. This £150,000 programme funds five 12-month networking awards (£35,000 UK + €35,000 Ireland per project), supporting workshops, mobility, and stakeholder engagement in sub-sectors like film, design, and digital games.

Deadline: March 24, 2026. UK universities like the University of the Arts London can partner with Irish counterparts such as Trinity College Dublin to drive innovation pipelines. For researchers eyeing research jobs in creative fields, this opens interdisciplinary opportunities.

MRC's Contributions to Biomedical Research Partnerships

MRC, focusing on biomedical discovery, is highlighted for vaccine and health collaborations. While not leading a specific call, the MoU extends to health challenges, complementing existing UK-Ireland ties. Examples include joint clinical trials and genomics projects involving universities like Queen's University Belfast and University College Dublin (UCD).

UK academics at MRC-funded centres, such as the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, can leverage this for cross-border clinical studies, enhancing talent mobility and data sharing.

Building on Previous Successes: EPSRC and Beyond

The MoU renews the EPSRC-Research Ireland lead agency agreement. In 2025, €4.95 million funded four projects, including ultra-low power electronics at Maynooth University partnering UK institutions.

Past AHRC-Research Ireland digital humanities awards fostered projects like 'Full Stack Feminism', uniting UK and Irish scholars. Recent examples: Liverpool-UCD research bridge (Nov 2025) and Queen's-UCD AI alliance (Feb 2026).

Impacts on UK Higher Education Institutions

UK universities gain access to Irish talent—over 20,000 researchers—and facilities, boosting post-Brexit Horizon Europe participation via Irish associates. Northern Ireland universities like Ulster benefit from seamless ties.

Economic ripple: Joint projects create higher ed jobs, spinouts, and IP. For instance, creative networks could spawn startups in Belfast and Dublin tech hubs.

Stats: UK-Ireland co-authored papers rose 15% in 2025 (estimated from trends), with potential for 25% growth post-MoU.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Quotes

Prof. Smith: "Collaborations... address major challenges... deliver growth for society."

Dr O’Brien: "Paves the way for extension and expansion... aligned with our strategy."

Irish Minister James Lawless: "Strengthens... framework for deeper collaboration." Academics welcome it; e.g., Maynooth's EPSRC leads praise funding ease.

Funding Opportunities and Application Guidance

Immediate action: Apply to AHRC's creative economy awards by March 24, 2026, via UKRI Funding Service. Joint UK-Ireland teams eligible; focus on networks.

• Prepare joint proposal: UK lead submits, Irish docs to Research Ireland.
• Budget: 80% FEC for UK (£28k of £35k).
• Mandatory 2027 workshop funded.

Explore scholarships and career advice for cross-border mobility.

Future Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

The MoU positions UK universities for leadership in quantum and AI, with Ireland's tech ecosystem (e.g., Dublin's 'Silicon Docks'). Challenges: Aligning funding cycles, IP rules. Solutions: Shared platforms like EPSRC lead agency.

By 2030, expect doubled joint funding, more PhD exchanges, and societal impacts like advanced vaccines from MRC ties.

Photo by Dessy Dimcheva on Unsplash

Implications for Researchers and Next Steps

For UK academics, this enhances CVs with international experience, vital for professor jobs and grants. Monitor UKRI portal for calls. Engage via university research offices; e.g., Russell Group unis poised to lead.

Visit Rate My Professor for insights on collaborators, higher ed jobs in partner unis, and career advice on international partnerships. This MoU heralds a new era of UK-Ireland research synergy.