About the Organisation
CONNECT is described as the world leading Research Ireland Centre for Future Networks and Communications. The About page says it is part of a nationwide network of centres funded under the Taighde Éireann Research Centres programme. It brings together expertise from twelve Irish academic institutes to create a one-stop-shop for telecommunications research, development and innovation. The text names the Centre's host institution as a Host Institution and states that it is funded under award number 13/RC/2077_P2.
Research Themes
The site lists nine research themes:
- Dependable Networks, covering mission-critical uses such as remote surgery and autonomous vehicles
- Sustainable IoT, integrating energy-autonomous devices and low-power platforms
- Link Performance, for 5G and beyond networks requiring multi-Gbps transmission
- AI-Driven Network Customisation, on sliced and stitched shared networks
- Network Ecologies, linking networks research with social and environmental networks
- Smart Cities, exploring urban dynamics for sustainability and inclusivity
- Quantum and Satellite Communications
- Cybersecurity, centred on trust in network connectivity
- Connected Autonomous Vehicles
Leadership and People
The leadership page names Dan Kilper as Director and Principal Investigator, Pat Kelly as Executive Director, and Siobhán Clarke, Cormac J. Sreenan and Cian Ó Mathúna as Deputy Directors and Principal Investigators. Dr Orlaigh Quinn is listed as Governance Chair.
Key Figures
The homepage reports 12 institutes, 2.3k publications, 58 industry partners, 191 current projects and 280 researchers. The Collaborate section refers to over 35 partners, while the About page states that CONNECT engages with over 40 companies, including large multinationals, SMEs and start-ups.
Recent Activity
Recent news items include a report, The Connective Detective, which highlights children's role in shaping smarter cities, and an agreement between Trinity College Dublin and Taiwan's ITRI to advance 6G research. A partnership between the Academy of the Near Future and Dublin City Council's Active Travel Programme Office showcased primary school work tracking air pollution and traffic using classroom sensors. The site also lists a publication, 5G & Future Connectivity: An emerging framework for Irish cities and towns, co-authored by the CONNECT team.
Impact, Engagement and Collaboration
The site states that CONNECT's research translates into real-world solutions, creating economic value, supporting sustainability and empowering industries. Its engagement initiatives connect with audiences from industry stakeholders to students. Collaboration is described as central to its work, with partners co-creating solutions in industry, EU, global and creative projects.
Who CONNECT Works For
In its own terms, CONNECT says its expert researchers deliver outstanding results at the pace and standard demanded by industry. It aims to shape Ireland's digital future and global competitiveness, and it addresses industry partners, students and wider audiences interested in communication technology and its impact on society.