Research grants bring graduate jobs - graduate jobs

New research funding could deliver more jobs for graduates with degrees in areas such as health, telecommunications, energy and the environment.

Research backer Science Foundation Ireland has announced funding of more than 25 million euros (£22m) to support 27 projects in a range of fields.

The "principal investigator scheme" awards grants after a rigorous assessment by international scientific peers.

The leading investigator typically works from a third-level institution and will build a team including undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate researchers.

The projects cover a wide range of areas, but all fall within SFI's remit set by statute to support life science, information and communications technology and energy research.

Batt O'Keeffe, Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, has welcomed the funding, saying jobs will be created.

The 27 awards range from about 500,000 euros (£434,000) up to 1.8 million euros (£1.6m) and are expected to support research involving 139 scientists over the next five years.

Mr O'Keeffe said the money was "targeted and strategic", adding the value for money objective was "paramount".

He said continued investment in the smart economy remained central to government thinking and the researchers funded by SFI had the potential to create new jobs.

"I think they give credence to the smart economy, what we are trying to achieve," Mr O'Keeffe said after the launch in Dublin.