Major research programme in Clonsilla

A MAJOR Irish-led EU research programme into Autism and Intellectual Disability has been launched in Dublin 15.

ters of Charity Disability Services, St Joseph’s Centre, Clonsilla, was officially launched last month by EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn.

The e9 million research – co-funded by the EU Marie Curie ASSISTID Cofund and Irish charity RESPECT – is the first of its kind in Europe in this specific field.

The programme will promote research into the development and application of assistive technologies to enhance the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities and autism, their carers and families.

ASSISTID is the first structured research programme of its kind in Europe and the most significant investment into assistive technologies research to date.

Speaking at the launch, Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn said:

“ASSISTID is a unique partnership of Irish and USA universities and the disability services which will support research and technologies to improve the quality of life of people with autism and intellectual disabilities.

“This is the kind of research we will continue to support under Horizon 2020, the new EU research and innovation programme.

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