Two researchers from Trinity College Dublin have been awarded more than €4m for research.
They are among 302 winners of the 2015 Consolidator Grant competition by the European Research Council (ERC).
The winners are all mid-career scientists who have been awarded a total of €585m, as part of the EU Research and Innovation programme 'Horizon 2020'.
The Irish awardees will receive more than €4m for their projects:
- Valeria Nicolosi will get almost €2.5m for her project " 3D Printing of Novel 2D Nanomaterials: Adding Advanced 2D Functionalities to Revolutionary Tailored 3D Manufacturing"
- Martin Sokol will receive almost around €1.8m for his project " Western banks in Eastern Europe: New geographies of financialisation".
Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, said: "As part of Horizon 2020, the ERC funds the work of some of the most brilliant minds in frontier research, people whose discoveries can start new industries, new markets and contribute to the welfare of the planet".
It is hoped they will be able to consolidate their research teams and develop innovative ideas.
The ERC says the researchers selected will, for example, develop a new method to control insects that transmit diseases such as the Zika virus, build ultra-thin portable fuel cells, and study the underperformance of low-income area schools.
They are likely to employ more than 2,100 post-docs, PhD students and other staff.
