Abstract

This work provides an overview of the development of a national standard research classification system in Ireland. The aim of the project is to develop the first national standard research classification designed to be inclusive of all research performing sectors in Ireland. It will be designed to align with existing international research classification standards, and to aid the development of efficient reporting and benchmarking processes. It is being designed for the primary purpose of the categorisation of all exchequer-funded research in the Republic of Ireland, but will have the potential to be used more broadly in categorising all research being undertaken nationally.

The classification system will enable consistent comparison of research statistics and data across the national research ecosystem. This will facilitate improved insights into the impact of public investment in research, aid the development of future research funding policy and support the administrative management of research. It will contribute to improving accountability and transparency in reporting of publically-funded research in Ireland.

The main driver for this project is to help improve the level of understanding of public investment in research. Information arising from an accurate detailed classification system will be used by the recently formed government Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to help in the development of a national research strategy. It will enable the identification of strengths and gaps in the national research ecosystem, and allow comparisons between national spending and EU research funding drawdown. It will contribute to the development of evidence-based policy and contribute to the discussion of the impact of research funding.

Learning outcomes:
• Overview of the Irish funding ecosystem
• Review of existing research classification systems in use internationally
• Overview of best practice in research classification
• Process used in the development of a national research classification system
• Progress to date in the development of a standard research classification system in Ireland

This is an ongoing project, which is being undertaken at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, funded by the Science Foundation Ireland Public Service Fellowship programme. It is being undertaken on a part time basis by Dr Claire McKenna, who is an International Funding manager in the AMBER Research Centre, headquartered at Trinity College Dublin.