The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has launched a report on how the university sector is supporting Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Jim Miley, Director General of the Irish Universities Association.

Published on 6 May 2020, Irish Universities Help Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic describes how the sector galvanised into immediate action and how it contributed in every way possible to the national emergency response as the pandemic developed.

The IUA is the representative body for:
Dublin City University
NUI Galway
Maynooth University
Trinity College Dublin
University College Cork
University College Dublin
University of Limerick

Eight Key Areas

Across eight areas, the seven Irish universities are working to play their part in Ireland’s response to the coronavirus.

These areas of activity are:
1. Expert advice with staff and students on the frontline
2. COVID-19 testing and contact tracing
3. COVID-19 research and innovation
4. Specialty equipment and training
5. Facilities and field hospital spaces
6. Supports to students
7. Volunteering, fundraising and assisting local communities
8. Informed communication to the public

The IUA report describes many examples from each of the seven universities of how they are providing supports, expertise, equipment, and resources across the above eight areas.

Jim Miley, Director General of the Irish Universities Association, said:

“As with many other sectors, Ireland’s universities are playing an influential role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in parallel with their teaching and exams management of thousands of students around the country.

“Across a wide range of disciplines, our universities and their staff and students have, and are, making a hugely valuable contribution to the national efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”