IReL is embarking on a strategic planning initiative that will shape its direction and priorities for the next five years. Research Consulting (UK), an external consultancy with expertise in research information, library strategy, and stakeholder engagement, has been appointed to lead the development of the new strategic plan.
Rob Johnson, Managing Director of Research Consulting, said:
“IReL occupies a unique position in Ireland’s research infrastructure, and the coming years will bring both challenges and opportunities as the landscape for scholarly communication continues to evolve. We’re looking forward to working closely with the IReL team and the wider community to develop a strategy that positions the consortium for long-term impact.”
This planning process will shape IReL’s strategy from 2027 onwards, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high-impact services, foster national collaboration, and respond to the evolving needs of the Irish research community.
Central to the planning process is a robust programme of consultation. Over spring and summer 2026, Research Consulting will work with IReL to facilitate:
- Stakeholder workshops across the sector
- Targeted interviews with key institutional partners
- Opportunities for wider community feedback, ensuring diverse perspectives inform IReL’s future direction
Key Milestones:
- Spring-Summer 2026: Stakeholder engagement and consultation activities
- End of August 2026: Submission of a draft strategic plan for review by the IReL Governance Committee
- December 2026: Formal launch of IReL’s new five-year strategy (covering 2027 and beyond)
Reflecting on the strategic planning initiative, Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University, said:
“IReL plays a vital role in enabling world-class research and scholarship across Ireland. This strategic planning process is an important opportunity to shape its future direction and ensure it continues to support our academic community across Ireland’s higher education system in an evolving global research landscape. I particularly welcome the breadth of engagement across the sector and look forward to a strategy that reflects our shared ambition for the future of research in Ireland.”