DCU Researchers secure SFI funding for industrial research placements

Prof Liam Barry is one of two DCU researchers to secure funding for a twelve month research placement at a private company, under the SFI Research Development and Innovation programme.

Prof Barry will join Eblana Photonics in order to research the development of optical components for the implementation of 6G wireless networks.

Having worked primarily in the academic research sector over the past 3 decades, this SFI Industry Fellowship will give Liam the opportunity to work with Eblana Photonics and learn important new skills such as industrial R&D road-mapping, industrial testing of photonic integrated circuits and moving optical systems to higher technology readiness levels.

The funding comes as part of an SFI funding programme which supports the temporary placement of academic researchers in 12 companies, to conduct research across a variety of areas including energy efficient communications networks.

Prof Liam Barry said:

“The daily exposure to a commercial environment will allow me to identify key challenges faced by industry working in the photonics sector which will enable me to develop impactful research streams when I return to academia.” 

Prof Barry is director of the Radio and Optical Communications Laboratory at DCU and will bring significant expertise to Eblana, allowing them to strengthen their position in the development of high speed optical communications systems for global telecommunications and datacom markets. He has previously collaborated with the company on a project developing more compact and sophisticated atomic clocks for deployment on board satellites for use in next generation GPS systems.

Prof Barry is one of two DCU researchers to secure funding under the scheme. Dr Karuppuchamy Selvaprakash from the School of Biotechnology will join BioMarin Pharmaceutical to undertake a project looking at new drug delivery mechanisms.