Ireland’s Marine Institute and the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) have announced a new strategic alliance.
The alliance will further develop marine research capabilities, undergraduate and postgraduate marine science programmes and staff training and development initiatives in the two institutes.
The two organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding as a basis for the collaboration and sharing of expertise. The agreement allows for reciprocal adjunct appointments between the two organisations.
GMIT and the Marine Institute have been involved in collaborative activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for many years, through training on Marine Institute vessels, joint research projects and sharing of equipment and facilities.
Two GMIT postgraduate research students are currently onboard the Marine Institute’s Galway-based research vessel RV Celtic Explorer on a historic research trip off northern Canada. The ship has been chartered by the Newfoundland Provincial Government and the research conducted abroad will help develop a better understanding of the state of fish stocks and marine ecosystems in the waters near the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The initiative is a result of a partnership between the Marine Institute and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Dr Des Foley, Head of the GMIT School of Science, says Galway is a strong centre for marine science and there is significant capacity for research and the development of technology across a number of institutions.
“GMIT's Marine & Freshwater Research Group is continually working to develop a broader partnership for marine science and technology that would also involve organisations with similar interests. The GMIT and Marine Institute memorandum of understanding is an excellent starting point from which to build further links into the future.”
“GMIT recently enhanced its capacity for Marine and Freshwater research through the refurbishment and development of new laboratories at its Dublin Road campus. Its Marine & Freshwater Research Group has excellent European links. GMIT is a core partner in a new pan European programme (www.mares-eu.org) that has secured over €5 million in European funding for collaborative post-graduates research on marine ecosystem health and conservation.”
