Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have secured a total of €6.5 million in funding through the Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme to lead innovative projects that tackle a range of complex challenges. The projects, which span diverse fields, include efforts to improve the performance of 2D nanomaterials and bioengineering corneas. This funding aims to support high-risk, high-reward research with the potential to drive significant economic and societal impact.
While several disciplines are represented, particular attention is focused on two of the three E3 schools - School of Engineering and the School of Computer Science and Statistics, with pioneering work set to take place in these areas.
Projects from the School of Engineering:
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Prof. David Hoey (School of Engineering and AMBER) will lead a project focused on developing innovative mechano-immuno-modulatory strategies to enhance bone regeneration. This research could open up new possibilities for improving treatments for bone injuries and diseases.
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Dr. Mark Ahearne (School of Engineering) aims to optimise the mechanical environment for corneal bioengineering, which could lead to significant advancements in regenerative medicine, particularly for individuals suffering from corneal damage or disease.
- Prof. Jonathan Coleman (School of Physics and AMBER), although based in the School of Physics, will contribute to enhancing high-performance printed devices through interface and junction engineering of 2D nanosheets, a project with strong ties to engineering applications in materials science.
Projects from the School of Computer Science and Statistics:
- Dr. Silvia D’Angelo (School of Computer Science and Statistics) will develop new statistical methods for analysing longitudinal dietary patterns and their connection to health outcomes. This research could have broad implications for public health strategies and personalised medicine, offering novel insights into the relationship between diet and long-term health.
Other Noteworthy Projects:
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Prof. Rachel McLoughlin (School of Biochemistry and Immunology) will work on harnessing the power of gamma-delta T cells to target intracellular Staphylococcus aureus infection, an important project in the field of immunology.
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Profs. Lorina Naci (School of Psychology and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience) and Fiona Wilson (School of Medicine) will collaborate on a project to assess dementia risk in former professional athletes, contributing to the understanding of protective factors in mid-life.
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Dr. Eva Jimenez-Mateos (School of Medicine and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience) will investigate the role of glutamate in microglial targeting, focusing on birth asphyxia and paediatric epilepsy.
Prof. Sinéad Ryan, Dean of Research at Trinity College Dublin, expressed her congratulations to all of the awardees, emphasising the significance of these projects for advancing high-risk, high-reward research. She highlighted that these initiatives will help drive creativity and innovation across various disciplines at Trinity, including engineering and computer science.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, James Lawless, also congratulated the awardees, noting that the Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future programme fosters novel research ideas with the potential to deliver impactful solutions for societal challenges. The programme supports gender balance and emerging investigators, providing valuable opportunities for researchers at various stages of their careers.
Celine Fitzgerald, Interim Chief Executive of Research Ireland, emphasised that the programme not only supports impactful research but also creates opportunities for talented researchers, with the funding supporting 86 positions across the awarded projects.
As these cutting-edge projects progress, the focus on engineering and computer science research at Trinity College Dublin is set to make a significant contribution to solving some of society's most pressing challenges.