NEWS: 22 projects to be funded under Human Capital Initiative; Lounge Chair wins new competition

22 innovative projects to be funded under Human Capital Initiative

THE Government has announced 22 projects are to be funded under the Human Capital Initiative across Ireland's third level institutions.

The projects include the use of virtual laboratories in higher education, a new hub to upskill the building sector on green construction, and the establishment of Creative Futures Academy to support digital and screen culture, cinema, literature and broadcasting, art, design, and fashion.

Innovative methods of teaching and delivery will be promoted on these projects, so that learners will benefit from improved quality and more engaging ways of learning on enterprise-focused courses, providing lifelong learning and upskilling opportunities for all.

Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3, Innovation and Agility is the final Pillar to be announced and commands a total budget of €197 million over the 5-year period, 2020 to 2024.

The initiative will support innovative and agile proposals from institutions or groups of institutions with potential application and

impact across the higher education system. The proposals will align innovation and agility with national strategic objectives, key system objectives for the higher education system, and future skills needs for society and the economy.

Through the projects recommended under this pillar, it is intended that innovative methods of teaching and delivery will be promoted, so that learners will benefit from improved quality and more engaging ways of learning on enterprise-focused courses. The capacity of institutions to anticipate, understand and respond to emerging skills needs of enterprise will be increased, together with the ability of institutions to provide lifelong learning and upskilling opportunities for all.

Lounge Chair wins new competition

GMIT Letterfrack and Farrell Furniture (Co Louth) announced that Gerry Murray, a final year student on the Bachelor of Science in Furniture Design & Manufacture course is the first winner of the annual Conor Farrell Design Award for Excellence in Design.

The simple silhouettes of the #352 Lounge Chair hides well the complex geometry and jointing techniques needed to construct it, said the judges. "The classic low-slung lines bring together beech and leather. The materials are from trusted sources which will not only ensure longevity but also aesthetically pleasing ageing.