TUS and DIAS Forge Landmark AI and Astronomy Partnership

On June 23, 2025, the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) formalized a significant collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing research and innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and astronomy. This agreement, celebrated during DIAS's 85th anniversary, marks a strategic partnership that seeks to advance education and practical knowledge in AI, machine learning (ML), and computer vision (CV) applications for radio astronomy.

Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO of DIAS, and Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, signed the MOU in the presence of James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science. Minister Lawless praised the collaboration, stating, “This strengthens our research base and positions Ireland globally at the forefront of technological progress.”

As part of this partnership, TUS will appoint two PhD scholars who will work under the mentorship of leading researchers at the Dunsink Observatory. These scholars will engage in groundbreaking research associated with the I-LOFAR project at Birr Castle in Offaly, which is home to Ireland’s largest radio telescope. The I-LOFAR, or Irish Low Frequency Array, is part of a broader European project that facilitates collaborative research in astrophysics, cosmic magnetism, space weather, solar physics, and the application of big data and AI in astronomy.

The I-LOFAR initiative generates substantial volumes of data, often totaling terabytes daily, necessitating advanced techniques in data processing, analysis, and interpretation through CV and ML. The partnership between TUS and DIAS will focus on applying high-performance computing, including AI, ML, and CV, to identify and characterize phenomena within the I-LOFAR datasets, initially targeting space weather and solar phenomena with plans to expand into additional areas.

A new centralized astrophysics storage and high-performance computing facility at TUS will support this research initiative, benefiting researchers across Ireland. This facility aims to train undergraduate students in managing and modeling large datasets, thus fostering the next generation of researchers in this field.

In addition to research activities, TUS and DIAS have committed to hosting regional educational and industrial workshops to promote awareness of their collaborative expertise. The first of these workshops will be organized in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Offaly.

Dr. Meehan remarked, “With this MOU, we are further strengthening the research ecosystem to support talent, foster innovation, and deliver real impact for our research community and our economy.” Professor Cunnane echoed this sentiment, stating, “TUS is proud to embark on this new frontier with DIAS, enabling our students to explore previously undiscovered areas of research in engineering, science, and technology.”

This partnership not only exemplifies a commitment to advancing scientific inquiry but also positions both institutions as leaders in the integration of AI technologies within the field of astronomy. As they move forward, the collaboration promises to yield significant contributions to the understanding of cosmic phenomena and the development of new technological applications in research.

### Historical Context and Significance The signing of the MOU represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of astronomical research in Ireland, building upon the foundation laid by the establishment of DIAS in 1940. The institute has a storied history of contributing to scientific knowledge and has been a key player in various national and international research initiatives. This partnership with TUS is expected to enhance the existing research landscape, particularly in the realms of AI and astrophysics.

### Impact Assessment The collaboration is anticipated to have wide-ranging implications, not only for the academic and research communities but also for the broader Irish economy. By fostering innovation and training the next generation of scientists and engineers, TUS and DIAS aim to contribute to Ireland's positioning as a hub for technological advancement and scientific research.

### Future Prospects Looking ahead, the partnership is set to expand its scope as more research initiatives are developed under the auspices of the MOU. The emphasis on high-performance computing and AI applications may lead to breakthroughs in understanding complex astrophysical phenomena, ultimately benefiting both institutions and the global scientific community.