Friday 21 November 2025

Professor Brian Corbett of Tyndall National Institute and University College Cork’s School of Physics has been awarded €584,513 to lead a groundbreaking research initiative titled High Efficiency Power Conversion and Delivery with Light (Hilight). 

The Hilight project is one of 39 groundbreaking initiatives selected for funding under the prestigious Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme, a €34.5m investment announced recently by higher education minister James Lawless.

Professor Brian Corbett of Tyndall National Institute.

Hilight aims to develop advanced methods for harvesting and transferring energy using light, with the goal of creating innovative power-converting devices. If successful, these technologies could lead to more efficient solar energy collection and improved power delivery in challenging environments such as high-voltage zones and medical endoscopes.

Curiosity-driven research

Minister Lawless said: "We are investing in cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research, and empowering individual researchers to progress bold ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. These awards demonstrate our dedication to building a diverse and inclusive research community that delivers impact for our society and economy. I look forward to seeing the development and outputs of these projects over the coming years."

The €34.5m investment supports high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for significant economic and societal impact. This year’s programme is co-funded by the Children’s Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

Projects span 12 leading Irish institutions, including Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, and Tyndall National Institute. Tyndall’s success highlights its continued leadership in photonics and energy innovation.

Click here for more information on the Frontiers for the Future Programme and the full list of funded projects.