Cork's MTU secures €4m for research into food sustainability and health

Munster Technological University (MTU) has secured over €4.5m in research funding for projects focused on sustainability, food systems, public health and the circular bioeconomy.

The funding is part of the government's €37.5m national investment in research for the agri food, forest and bioeconomy sectors.

The successful MTU-led and MTU-partnered projects will support the development of new value chains for Irish agriculture, provide evidence to shape future nutrition and food policy and help unlock sustainable uses for an underutilised natural resource.

Professor Hugh McGlynn, vice-president for research at MTU, said that the funding demonstrates "MTU’s strength in delivering research with real world impact.” 

“Across agriculture, sustainability, food systems and public health, our researchers are working with industry, government and academic partners to develop solutions that directly benefit society, the economy and the environment. This funding also reflects MTU’s growing role as a national leader in applied research and innovation.” 

Meanwhile, MTU has also secured €3m to lead the national Grass4Value project, which will develop cutting edge green biorefinery technologies aimed at transforming Ireland’s grassland sector.

The project brings together a group of leading institutions including MTU, University College Dublin, Teagasc and University of Galway, connecting several demonstration and pilot scale bioeconomy facilities across the country.

Grass4Value will focus on converting grass and legumes into high value products including sustainable protein alternatives, animal feed ingredients, bioenergy and fertilisers.