Walton Institute marks 30 years of ICT research as Ireland prepares for EU Presidency

The Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU) is marking 30 years of ICT research and innovation and five years as a recognised research institute, highlighting three decades of collaboration with more than 800 partners worldwide on projects worth over €485 million. Marking this milestone in the same year that Ireland assumes the EU Council Presidency underscores the importance of research institutes such as Walton in contributing to European innovation, technology development and cross-border collaboration.

For thirty years, the Walton Institute for Information and Communication Systems Science has played an important role in advancing communications and digital technologies. Since its establishment as the Telecommunications Software and Systems Group (TSSG) in 1996, the institute has secured more than €155 million in competitive research funding while working with partners across industry, government and academia.

Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact, SETU, says “Walton Institute plays a central role in SETU’s research and innovation ecosystem and in strengthening Ireland’s international research presence. Its work demonstrates how a technological university can connect research excellence with regional innovation and global collaboration.’’

Led by Executive Director Dr Kevin Doolin and Director of Research Dr Deirdre Kilbane, Walton has built a strong international reputation for both fundamental research and applied innovation. Since its designation as a Research Institute in 2021, it has strengthened industry collaboration and grown its research capacity across several strategic technology domains.

Dr Kevin Doolin, Executive Director, Walton Institute, SETU, joined the team in 2004 and has seen the growth of Walton over the years. “What began as a telecommunications research group in Waterford has grown into an international research institute working with organisations across Europe and beyond. Our focus has always been on turning research into practical outcomes that support industry innovation and economic growth in the region.”

Today, the institute comprises more than 80 students, postdocs, research scientists and engineers, and maintains an active collaboration network across 60 countries. Its work spans several key technology areas, including artificial intelligence, future communications networks, quantum communications, smart energy, digital health, smart cities, agri-tech and immersive technologies.

Walton is particularly recognised for its expertise in AI systems, advanced communications networks and digitalisation, supporting organisations to adopt new digital technologies and move research outcomes from the laboratory into practical use.

Strengthening Ireland’s research, infrastructure and innovation ecosystem

Walton continues to play an important role in national innovation programmes supporting digital transformation across industry and public services. This includes the Enterprise Ireland ICS Technology Gateway and the ENTIRE European Digital Innovation Hub, where researchers work with SMEs, public sector organisations and multinational companies to test and deploy emerging digital technologies.

The institute also maintains strong engagement with European research initiatives. Walton researchers currently participate in 20 strategic European research clusters, contributing to discussions that help shape technology policy and research priorities at the EU level.

In 2025, the university was recognised as Ireland’s leading technological university for Horizon Europe funding, securing almost €13 million to date, along with over €11.5 million for the EuroQCI Initiative. As Ireland prepares to lead the Council of the European Union, this level of participation demonstrates the contribution Irish research institutes make to Europe’s digital and innovation agenda.

Building talent and global careers from the south east

The success of the Walton Institute is built on the expertise of its multidisciplinary research teams, including engineers, scientists, designers and technical specialists.

Dr Deirdre Kilbane, Director of Research, Walton Institute, SETU, explains the impact of Walton’s success on the Irish ICT sector. “Walton’s collaborative research environment continues to attract masters, PhD and postdoctoral researchers from across the world to live and work in Waterford. Many Walton alumni now hold senior roles in universities and global organisations, including Mastercard, Google, Workhuman, Citi and Sun Life, extending the institute’s international network.”

As the Walton Institute marks its 30-year milestone, it continues to strengthen its role in Ireland’s ICT research ecosystem, working with industry, government and international partners to develop technologies that support economic growth and societal progress. With Ireland preparing to take on the EU Presidency, institutions such as Walton highlight the strength of the country’s research capability and its contribution to Europe’s innovation future.