UL Changemakers global recruitment campaign to attract world-class research talent

Launching UL Changemakers, a major internationally focused recruitment initiative designed to attract exceptional research talent to University of Limerick were, Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins, Dick Meaney UL Foundation Board Member, Christine Brennan, Research Strategy and Policy Manager and Vice President Research and Innovation Professor Kevin Ryan. Picture: Alan Place

University of Limerick is to make a multi-million-euro investment in research talent as part of its global ‘UL Changemakers’ recruitment campaign

University of Limerick announces it is to make major investment in recruitment of world-class research talent with the launch of its ‘UL Changemakers’ campaign.

The major internationally focused recruitment campaign is designed to attract exceptional researchers who are ready to innovate, lead, and change the future, to the region.

The significant investment in research talent is targeted at recruiting excellent academics from around the world who are seeking opportunities to advance their careers in a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performing research environment.

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The initial phase of the recruitment campaign will see a total of 35 academic posts open across the organisation in areas such as Social Justice, Democratic Resilience, Artificial Intelligence, Pharmaceutical Science and Bioprocessing, Health Services Research, Sustainable Electrical Engineering, Medicine, Quantum Computing, Software Engineering and a number of posts within the Kemmy Business School.

UL Changemakers aims to strengthen the University’s research performance and reputation, while fostering an inclusive and welcoming community for academics.

The campaign underscores UL’s commitment to cultivating a research culture that is globally competitive, socially engaged, guided by the principles of academic freedom and focused on addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Commenting on the importance of UL Changemakers, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless said, “I am very encouraged to see University of Limerick stepping forward with an initiative such as this. The move to launch UL Changemakers is most welcome, and aligns perfectly with the approach that I and my Department have been taking to make Ireland a welcoming and desirable location for top international researchers.

“The importance of a programme such as this will be felt for a long time to come, as it will underpin and support a number of the disciplines that will be vital to the future development of our economy and our society. I look forward to seeing the impact that this programme can make.”

Launching the campaign, Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins said, “UL Changemakers represents a bold and necessary investment in the power of research to shape a better future.

“At UL, we believe that world class scholarship does more than advance knowledge, it informs policy, strengthens communities, and delivers meaningful benefits to society. By attracting exceptional researchers from across the globe, we are deepening our capacity to address humanity’s greatest challenges and expanding the intellectual horizons that drive discovery.

“This initiative signals our commitment to a research culture that is ambitious, inclusive, and internationally competitive.

“UL has always been a university that looks outward with purpose, and with this investment, we are reaffirming our belief that research, at its very best, changes lives.”

Professor Kevin Ryan, Vice President Research and Innovation said, “We are seeking researchers who not only excel in their disciplines, but who are eager to challenge conventions, push boundaries, inspire innovation and deliver research that makes a real difference in society. We are looking for changemakers.

“Our research performance will become a defining factor of UL in the future, and we must ensure the supports are in place to enable our excellent research talent to flourish, to inspire innovation and to drive sustainable economic growth in Ireland.

“As we transition into a research-intensive university, research must be front and centre embedded into the UL culture, where we create an immersive research environment to champion excellent research.”

UL Changemakers forms a core element of UL’s long-term strategic investment in research excellence as outlined in the Wisdom for Action Research Strategy 2022–2027 and is supported by University of Limerick Foundation.

UL Foundation board member, Dick Meaney added, “On behalf of the University Foundation, I am delighted to mark the launch of this ambitious new research project. Supporting initiatives like this is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission – projects that bring together talented researchers, bold ideas, and the potential for real-world impact.

“We are committed to helping secure funding to support the establishment of the professorships and PhD scholarships that will sustain this work for years to come. Investment in scholars at every stage of their journey is what truly drives innovation and discovery.

“Today represents the beginning of an exciting journey. We are proud to stand behind the vision, energy, and excellence that this project embodies and look forward to attracting new partners and making a meaningful contribution within the University and far beyond.”