For the record 16 May

16-05-2008

by Emmet Ryan

O2 study praises Government's decision to embrace mobile communication | IRCSET announces new EUR4.7 million postdoctoral research fund

A new study conducted by iReach on behalf of O2 Ireland claims that many government departments and public sector organisations are embracing mobile communications. The study found that the potential cost savings mobile communications offered to government agencies was a key driver in the adoption of these technologies.

The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) is to offer funding totalling over EUR4.7 million to 55 researchers planning to complete early-stage postdoctoral level research over the next two years. IRCSET's Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme is designed to empower researchers at an early stage of their research career to build upon and broaden their PhD work.

AirSpeed Telecom, which operates a nationwide wireless radio transmission network, has won contracts with a combined value of over EUR500,000 with Reox Holdings and RTE NL. AirSpeed supplies both Reox, which manages the network infrastructure for Daiygold, and RTE NL, the network operator which distributes and transmits radio and television services, with high capacity connectivity in locations that are poorly serviced by the existing terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure.

A South London college has showcased the results of a campaign to address gun and knife crime with the use of mobile technology. The project was funded by the Mobile Learning Network and supported by technology partners, Steljes and Vodafone. The project, called Lifewise, involved over 200 young people from South Thames College and six secondary schools from London. The students used Vodafone v1615 handsets to work collaboratively on producing digital content such video clips, music, interviews and images.

Comhar, the Sustainable Development Council, is offering media organisations and journalists throughout Ireland an opportunity to secure funding of up to EUR2,000 for media projects focusing on sustainable development issues. The Comhar Sustainable Development Media Fund is aimed at promoting more and better coverage of sustainable development issues. The fund is open to all Irish media, including media students. Applications for print or broadcast projects are currently being accepted, as well as for photographic and new media projects. Further information is available at www.comharsdc.ie