Euro-BioImaging joins IUA Future of Ireland event in Dublin to discuss Ireland’s role in European research infrastructures

Euro-BioImaging, represented by Antje Keppler, Director of the Euro-BioImaging ERIC Bio-Hub, was pleased to contribute to the Irish Universities Association’s Future of Ireland event in Dublin on 25 June 2026, focused on INSPIRE: Positioning Ireland as a Strategic Player in European Research Infrastructure.

The event took place at an important moment for Ireland’s research and innovation system, with the INSPIRE investment programme creating new opportunities to strengthen national research infrastructure capacity across disciplines. It also came just ahead of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, offering a timely opportunity to connect national investment with Europe’s evolving research infrastructure landscape.

Antje Keppler joined the panel discussion “From Participation to Leadership: How can Ireland maximise the impact of INSPIRE in Europe?” alongside representatives from Ireland’s research, higher education and policy communities.

The panelists highlighted relevant key messages: Research infrastructure is not only equipment — it is a system of expert people, access, training, data, governance and long-term sustainability.

National investments have the greatest impact when they build coordinated capabilities that are visible, accessible and connected to European research infrastructures.

Antje emphasized that “Distributed European infrastructures (such as Euro-BioImaging) can amplify national strengths and competitiveness by connecting researchers and facilities to advanced technologies, expertise, training, data standards, industry collaboration, innovation support as well as national and international collaborations”.

Euro-BioImaging warmly thanks the Irish Universities Association for the invitation and the Irish research and policy stakeholders for the very constructive exchange. We look forward to continuing the dialogue with the Irish imaging community and national partners.