University College Dublin (UCD) has announced the launch of its strategy for research, innovation and impact until 2020. The strategy will see the university organise around its major research themes of agrifood; culture, economy and society; energy; environment; ICT; and health. UCD will grow its presence and its external strategic engagements in each of these themes over the period of the strategy. The quality of UCD’s research and innovation is apparent in, for example:

• UCD agrifood research publications, which rank No 1 for global citations at scale;
• UCD research publications, which have a citation impact 67 per cent above world average;
• Landmark scholarly contributions such as the five-volume 'Art and Architecture in Ireland';
• The 50 new and established companies that have chosen to locate at NovaUCD and NexusUCD to collaborate with UCD’s research community, and the thousand more companies that partner with the university;
• UCD spin-out companies such as Logentries, which was acquired last week by Rapid7 for $68 million.

Launching the UCD Strategy for Research, Innovation and Impact 2015-2010, Professor Orla Feely, UCD vice-president for research, innovation and impact said: “UCD is ranked as the number one Irish university for research, and excellent research and innovation are central to all that we do in the university. At UCD we draw on the range and depth of our disciplines, the commitment of our community and the strength of our partnerships to deliver impact in areas of importance and opportunity. “Our vision is that by 2020, following the implementation of the strategy launched today, UCD will be known internationally for the excellence of our research and innovation and for the effective manner in which we harness all of our resources and partnerships to deliver impact at scale in areas of global opportunity. We will be a central hub in leading international research networks in a number of strategic areas. Internationally-leading researchers will find in UCD an institution that matches their ambition and in which they want to build their careers. “In recognition of UCD’s particular role in Irish life, we will through our strategy continue to support the economic, social and cultural development of Ireland through the supply of talented people and creative ideas. We will also fulfil our role as Ireland’s global university, through our participation in the international research community and our contributions to addressing global challenges. “The success of the implementation of this strategy will be evident in the impact delivered by UCD to a dynamic economy and to an informed and reflective society.” The strategy document UCD Strategy for Research, Innovation and Impact 2015-2020 is available to download via www.ucd.ie/innovation/aboutus/ucdstrategyforresearchinnovationandimpact/