The University of Liverpool and University College Dublin (UCD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen research collaboration between the two institutions, at a ceremony at Dublin’s Royal Irish Academy on 4 November.
The MoU sets out plans to establish a joint Research Seed Fund designed to promote cross-institutional partnerships and support the early development of collaborative research projects. The initiative aims to provide bridge funding between the formation of new research ideas and their first external grant or measurable impact.
Through the fund, researchers from both universities will be able to explore complementary strengths and co-produce innovative research-led activities that would not be achievable independently.
The partnership will focus on key areas, including:
- Health and Life Sciences – Clinical trials, AI for health and MedTech, life sciences, proteomics, therapeutics, and protein engineering
- Science and Engineering – Applied AI, marine and maritime research, and energy innovation
- Humanities and Social Sciences – Irish studies, law and social justice, and the creative industries
The signing event was attended by the University of Liverpool’s Professor Tim Jones (Vice-Chancellor), Professor Tariq Ali (Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Partnerships) and Professor Louise Kenny (Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences).
UCD attendees included Professor Orla Feely (President), Professor Kate Robson Brown (Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact) and Professor Peter Doran (Director, UCD Clinical Research Centre).
Civic and diplomatic representatives at the event included Kara Owen CMG, British Ambassador to Ireland, Councillor Emma Blain, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and John Fogarty, Executive Director of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
North West trade mission strengthens links
The event formed part of a broader trade and investment mission to Dublin, during which leaders from the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester met with representatives of the Irish Government to discuss strengthening economic, cultural, and academic links between the regions.
Led by Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham, along with civic leaders from Liverpool and Manchester, the mission also celebrated the revitalisation of the Liverpool–Dublin Twinning Partnership, first established in 1997. The renewed partnership will focus on four strategic pillars: cultural exchange, green maritime development, economic growth, and strengthening people-to-people connections.
The University of Liverpool’s partnership with UCD further underscores the city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and international research partnerships.
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool said: “We are honoured to be a part of this delegation visiting Ireland to further strengthen ties between the cities of Liverpool and Dublin. The University of Liverpool’s new partnership with University College Dublin reflects our shared commitment to research that drives real-world impact.
Professor Tariq Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Partnerships at the University of Liverpool said: “Through a joint Research Seed Fund, we aim to empower our academics to combine expertise, exchange ideas, and co-create innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges—from advancing health and AI to promoting sustainability and social justice.”
UCD President Professor Orla Feely said: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with the University of Liverpool, bringing together our two academic communities with the mutual goal of driving ambitious global research with purpose and impact. The establishment of the joint Research Seed Fund will not only spark new collaborations between our institutions but also new ideas with the potential for transformative impacts, which neither university would achieve alone.”
UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Prof Kate Robson Brown said: “The signing of this agreement marks another step forward in furtherance of UCD’s ambition to break down boundaries, expand our networks and enable discovery and innovation. By forging this collaboration, our two universities can amplify our collective strengths for the benefit of our communities and enhance our global competitiveness, ensuring that the knowledge and solutions we create can have greater reach and impact.”