University College, Cork will collaborate with a range of other third level institutions in creating a programme of environmental, marine and coastal research which will be housed in the Environmental Research Institute. The Institute, which will be part of the UCC campus, is to be located at Ringaskiddy, adjacent to the National Maritime College.
Environmental studies is an increasingly important research area.
There are currently 19 different departments, in nine different Centres or Units throughout UCC researching various environmental topics. However, UCC is now entering into a long-term commitment to support and integrate environmental, marine and coastal research in UCC through the construction of the Environmental Research Institute. Last year alone research income in UCC was 21.5 million. This funding was received as a result of winning highly competitive international research contracts and allowed UCC to employ 450 researchers . It allows UCC to make a significant contribution in areas of critical importance to national development.