The Government has appointed five new “Talent and Innovation attaches” who will be deployed to strategic locations in Europe, Africa and Asia to strengthen Ireland’s international research and innovation engagement. The new attaches will build on the work of two existing appointees based in the US. 

According to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, “the expanded network will co-ordinate and prioritise Ireland’s global talent and innovation activities, with each location acting as a resource for Irish institutions, promoting Ireland as a partner in research and innovation and a leading location for further and higher education, and engaging widely across the areas to which they are assigned”.  

Making the announcement, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, said: “We are significantly strengthening Ireland’s global presence by placing dedicated Talent and Innovation attachés in key partner countries including the UK, France, Germany, Singapore and South Africa. These are strategically important locations for research collaboration, talent development and innovation.

“There is a strong global appetite to work with Ireland, and we are responding by building our capacity to engage in the places that matter most. 

“Our attachés in Boston and San Francisco have already shown the real impact of having people on the ground, building partnerships, supporting Irish institutions and opening new opportunities. This expansion builds directly on that success,” the Minister said.

“We are equipping Irish learners, researchers and innovators to engage internationally in an inclusive and ambitious way. I am confident these new appointments will deliver lasting benefits for Ireland’s global engagement.”

Minister McEntee said: “The government is committed to strengthening Ireland’s place in the world and to ensure that our Embassies and Consulates continue to play a key role in Ireland’s economic relationships in priority markets, working in close cooperation with the State agencies. Minister Lawless and I have a shared ambition for Ireland to maximise the value of our international engagement on science diplomacy. The appointment of the five Talent and Innovation Attachés today, in addition to the two positions already operating in the US, is a significant investment, which will support the ambitions of the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification.”

The new attaché positions fulfil a commitment in the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. The Government now intends to progress with appointments to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, along with a focus on Switzerland, Singapore and South Africa.