Provision of the design and delivery of the Research in Ireland Barometer

Description

In recognition of its expanded brief, Research Ireland is commissioning a new national awareness and perceptions study of research and its contribution to the Irish economy and society, the Research in Ireland Barometer 2026. This study will offer current and robust insights into attitudes to research amongst the Irish public aged 16 and over. This study will use both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand how research is perceived and to allow comparison with findings from previous surveys. Research Ireland wishes to gain insights about general attitudes towards research in Ireland. These insights could include inter alia: • Public perceptions of research including topics such as:   Public understanding of the scientific process, ethics in research, trust of scientists and scientific results.   The public’s attitudes to current concerns in relation to research and society, particularly on topical or potentially controversial issues such as climate change, and artificial Intelligence.  • Public understanding of research, both what it is and how it affects them.   The public’s interest and level of information/knowledge of science and research.   Public’s understanding, experiences, and perceptions of STEM and AHSS education and careers.   Public feeling of exclusion/elitism from science and research .   • Public awareness of research in Ireland and the role of Research Ireland.   The level of understanding of the role of research and Research Ireland in Ireland’s future economic and societal development.   Public’s understanding, experiences, and perceptions of the research system in Ireland   The perception of the public towards investment in research. In recognition of its expanded brief, Research Ireland is commissioning a new national awareness and perceptions study of research and its contribution to the Irish economy and society, the Research in Ireland Barometer 2026. This study will offer current and robust insights into attitudes to research amongst the Irish public aged 16 and over. This study will use both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand how research is perceived and to allow comparison with findings from previous surveys. Research Ireland wishes to gain insights about general attitudes towards research in Ireland. These insights could include inter alia: • Public perceptions of research including topics such as:   Public understanding of the scientific process, ethics in research, trust of scientists and scientific results.   The public’s attitudes to current concerns in relation to research and society, particularly on topical or potentially controversial issues such as climate change, and artificial Intelligence.  • Public understanding of research, both what it is and how it affects them.   The public’s interest and level of information/knowledge of science and research.   Public’s understanding, experiences, and perceptions of STEM and AHSS education and careers.   Public feeling of exclusion/elitism from science and research .   • Public awareness of research in Ireland and the role of Research Ireland.   The level of understanding of the role of research and Research Ireland in Ireland’s future economic and societal development.   Public’s understanding, experiences, and perceptions of the research system in Ireland   The perception of the public towards investment in research.