Ward & Burke investment backs new infrastructure research centre at University of Galway
New Centre for Infrastructure Research & Innovation to focus on sustainable, resilient and intelligent infrastructure as scholarship programme and civil engineering professorship are also announced
28 May 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
A new infrastructure research centre has been established at the University of Galway following a significant investment from engineering multinational Ward & Burke.
The new Ward & Burke Centre for Infrastructure Research & Innovation will focus on advancing research, innovation and industry impact in sustainable, intelligent and resilient infrastructure.
The initiative forms part of a new Signature Partnership between Ward & Burke and the University of Galway and will build on existing strengths within the University of Galway School of Engineering, including civil and mechanical engineering, water and wastewater research, geotechnics, construction innovation and data-driven engineering technologies.
Alongside the establishment of the new research centre, the university has also announced the creation of a new civil engineering professorship. Established Professor Brian Sheil, an alumnus of the University of Galway, has been appointed as the inaugural holder of the role.
The centre will be jointly led by Professor Sheil and Professor Eoghan Clifford, Head of Civil Engineering at the University of Galway.
The partnership will also deliver a new scholarship programme aimed at supporting the development of future engineering talent and strengthening the pipeline of skilled graduates entering the sector.
Ward & Burke is one of Ireland’s largest engineering contractors, specialising in water, wastewater and civil engineering infrastructure projects across Ireland, the UK and North America.
According to reports from Galway Bay FM and the Galway Advertiser, the new centre is expected to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia while supporting research into infrastructure delivery, sustainability and emerging engineering technologies.
The investment comes amid increasing national focus on infrastructure resilience, water services delivery, housing delivery capacity and the decarbonisation of the built environment, with demand continuing to grow for engineering research aligned with major public infrastructure investment programmes.
Professor Brian Sheil said the new centre would support research with practical industry application while helping to address future infrastructure challenges.
The University of Galway said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to support innovation-led engineering research and strengthen links between academia and industry.
