Ireland opens up to young scientists from Slovakia
On Wednesday, February 5, 2026, Martin Venhart, President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS), received J. E. Ian Devine, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ireland to Slovakia, at the SAS headquarters. The main topic of the meeting was exploring opportunities to expand scientific cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, particularly in light of Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union starting on July 1, 2026.
The meeting was also attended by Dana Jurkovičová, representative of the 2nd Department of Sciences of the SAS, and, on behalf of the SAS Department of International Cooperation, Ivana Stavrovská Janíková, Head of the Department, and František Fundárek from the Bilateral Cooperation Department.
In his opening remarks, Martin Venhart briefly informed the Irish Ambassador about the structure and priority research areas of the SAS, as well as the main priorities of the new SAS Presidency in international cooperation.
Ian Devine noted that Slovakia and Ireland share many parallels, including their population sizes, their long paths to independence, the openness of their national economies, and the significant role of foreign investment in their long-term development. Martin Venhart pointed out that research security is becoming a key issue of our time, requiring coordinated action at the EU level. He also informed the Ambassador about Slovakia's continued development of nuclear energy and highlighted its environmental benefits.
Dana Jurkovičová raised the topic of expanding study opportunities for Slovak university graduates and early-career researchers at Irish universities. In response, Ian Devine emphasised that approximately 30,000 Slovak citizens are currently working and studying in Ireland. He pledged the full support of the Irish Embassy in facilitating new contacts between young Slovak applicants and relevant institutions in Ireland, particularly universities.
In conclusion, Martin Venhart reiterated the SAS's commitment to increasing research excellence, strengthening internationalisation, and enhancing the Academy's competitiveness across disciplines and within the European Research Area through the IMPULZ programme.
Text: František Fundárek, Department of International Cooperation, SAS
Photo: Martin Bystriansky