EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation officially opens UCC’s Western Gateway Innovate Centre

University College Cork’s flagship innovation building, Western Gateway, was officially opened today by EU Innovation Commissioner Carlos Moedas.

With an investment of €112 million, the state-of-the-art Western Gateway building represents the largest capital expenditure in research infrastructure at UCC. The Western Gateway building hosts a number of schools and research centres including Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, Aanatomy and /Neuroscience, as well as the Cork Cancer Research Unit and Incubator hub. Facilities in the 25,000m² building include research services from wet and dry labs, incubation space, lecture halls, offices and conferencing facilities, making it an important innovation centre at UCC.

Speaking at the official opening today in Cork, Commissioner Moedas said:“I am delighted to officially open the Western Gateway building here in UCC today. This building forms a very significant part of the research infrastructure of the University, for Ireland and further afield. The significant investment of €112 million in this building demonstrates the commitment to the highest level of research and innovation at UCC, which reflects my own commitment to the research, science and innovation portfolio within the European Union.”

UCC President Dr. Michael Murphy explained the strategic importance of the Western Gateway building to the University, saying: “The significant research, innovation and learning taking place in this building is vital to the positioning of the University as a leading hub for innovation. The Western Gateway building not only enhances our research capabilities but it also reinforces our reputation for innovation nationally and internationally. We are delighted to welcome Commissioner Moedas to UCC and thank him for acknowledging the importance of this building by being here as our guest of honour.”

Following the opening formalities and roundtable discussion with several leading academics and researchers, Commissioner Carlos Moedas was conferred with an honorary doctorate to acknowledge his support of the innovation agenda in Ireland.

Commissioner Moedas also visited the Tyndall National Institute during his visit to University College Cork.