Notes to Editors:
Under the SFI Research Centres Programme (2012 call) –the seven research centres outlined below
are being funded: (alphabetical order).
156 Companies are collaborating with the centres they include Alere, Kerry Group, Alimentary Health,
Second Genome, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical, GSK (Glaxo Smith Kline), MSD Ireland (Merck),
Roche, BMS (Bristol Myers Squibb), Clarochem Ireland, APC Ltd., Innopharma Labs, Scale Up Systems,
BiancaMed/ResMed, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Irish Times, Microsoft, Shimmer, Skillpages, UTRC Ireland,
Eblana Photonics, Intel, BT, Lake Region, Intune Networks, ÉireComposites Teo, ESB International,
Medtronic, Trino Therapeutics, Sigmoid Pharma, IBM, RTE and others.
Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research Centre (AMBER)
Lead Principal Investigator: Prof. John Boland - Director of CRANN and Professor of Chemistry
Co-PIs (Names, Titles, Institution):
 Prof. Michael Coey, CRANN Principal Investigator and Erasmus Smith’s Professor of Natural and
Experimental Philosophy, TCD
 Prof. Jonathan Coleman, CRANN Principal Investigator and Professor, School of Physics, TCD
 Prof. Georg Duesberg, CRANN Principal Investigator and Professor, School of Chemistry TCD
 Prof. Michael Morris, CRANN Principal Investigator and Head of Chemistry Department, UCC
 Prof. Justin Holmes, CRANN Principal Investigator and Chair of Nanochemistry, UCC
 Prof. Stefano Sanvito, Deputy Director of CRANN and Associate Professor, School of Physics
 Prof. Daniel Kelly, Principal Investigator in the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering and
Lecturer, TCD
 Prof. Fergal O’Brien, Adjunct Associate Professor, Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, TCD and Royal
College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI)
 Prof. Valeria Nicolosi, CRANN Principal Investigator and ERC Research Professor, School of Physics
and School of Chemistry, TCD
Other Partner Institutions: TCD, UCC, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI).
Number of Industry Partners: 21
Research Summary
The prime objective of the AMBER Centre is to deliver world-leading research into engineered materials
and interfaces for applications in a number of priority sectors in Ireland, most notably in ICT, medical
devices, and industrial technology. Through 30 individual platform projects and 18 industry-focused
targeted projects, the AMBER Centre will carry out research in four broad areas:
 Development of enhanced nanoscale electronic devices for data processing and memory
applications;



New materials to support innovation in medical devices and delivery systems, implants based on
novel therapies, and regenerative tissue engineering;
Novel materials and processing for new products in areas such as the bottling industry, solar
energy, medical devices, medical diagnostics and chemical and biological filtration;
Novel formulations and packaging to improve the distribution of pharmaceuticals.
AMBER researchers will work with their industry partners, many of whom are long-term collaborators
with the parent CRANN Institute, in the areas above. The team has already demonstrated strong
interactions with industry, with a number of researchers-in-residence carrying out projects at TCD, and a
pathway for graduates to move into industry already in place. Technologies developed by AMBER
investigators will be utilised for the design of real-world devices and materials with strong potential for
significant scientific and economic impacts.
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC)
Lead Principal Investigator: Prof. Fergus Shanahan, Director, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, Professor
and Chairman, Department of Medicine, UCC, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Cork University Hospital
Co-PIs (Names, Titles, Institution):
 Prof. Gerald Fitzgerald, Deputy Director, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre. Professor & Chair of Food
Microbiology, UCC. Director, BioTransfer Unit, UCC
 Prof. Paul Ross, Head of Teagasc Food Research Programme, Adjunct Professor, University College
Cork
 Dr Catherine Stanton, Principal Research Officer, Teagasc Moorepark Food Research Centre
 Prof. Colin Hill, Chair of Microbial Food Safety, Department of Microbiology, UCC
 Prof. Ted Dinan, Professor of Psychiatry, University College Cork. Consultant Psychiatrist, Cork
University Hospital
 Prof. Eamonn Quigley, Professor of Medicine and Human Physiology, UCC. Consultant
Gastroenterologist, Cork University Hospital
 Dr Paul O’Toole, Senior Lecturer in Genetics, Dept. Microbiology, UCC. Lead PI, ELDERMET
 Prof. John Cryan, Professor & Chair, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, UCC
 Prof. Douwe van Sinderen, Associate Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, UCC
Partner Institution:
UCC, Teagasc Moorepark Food Research Centre, Mercy University Hospital,
Cork University Hospital, Cork Institute of Technology.
Number of Industry Partners: 13
Research Summary
The gut microbiota is a complex community of trillions of microbes, unique to every individual. We
acquire these microbial partners at birth, and live in harmony (or disharmony) until death us do part.
They share our food, provide us with many essential vitamins and promote the development of a
healthy gut. Recent evidence also supports a role for the microbes in optimal brain function, and in
healthy ageing. The Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) investigates the close links between diet, the
microbiota and health status. The Centre aims to provide the necessary scientific basis for the selection
of health-promoting bacteria and food constituents for incorporation into ‘functional foods’ for
improved health, and which can support the development of novel bioactives to treat intestinal and
infectious diseases. The research undertaken by the APC will address important societal issues such as
disease prevention, improved cognition and healthy ageing and is supported by food, biotechnology,
pharmaceutical and diagnostic industries.
INFANT - Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research
Co-Lead Principal Investigators: Prof. Louise Kenny, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and
Gynaecology and Prof Geraldine Boylan, Professor of Neonatal Physiology, Paediatrics & Child Health at
UCC.
Co-PIs (Names, Titles, Institution):
 Prof. Geraldine Boylan, Co-Director INFANT, Professor, Neonatal Brain Research Group, Dept of
Paediatrics & Child Health. UCC, Cork University Maternity Hospital
 Dr Eugene Dempsey, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Neonatologist, Department of Neonatology,
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cork University Maternity Hospital
 Dr Paul Galvin, Head of Life Sciences Interface Group, Tyndall National Institute, UCC
 Prof. David Henshall, Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience, Royal College
of Surgeons in Ireland
 Dr Liam Marnane, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science, UCC
 Dr Deirdre Murray, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics and
Child Health, UCC
 Dr Gordon Lightbody, Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, UCC
 Prof Frederic Adams, Professor in Management Information Systems, UCC
Partner Institutions:: Tyndall National Institute at UCC, Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI)
Number of Industry Partners: 14
Research Summary
Despite huge societal and economic need, the progress of perinatal research has been painfully slow
and consequently there are no effective screening tests for the most common complications of
pregnancy and newborn babies. As a result, prompt detection of problems and the development of
appropriate treatments are impacted. The INFANT team is a diverse group of doctors and scientists who
are supported by strong industry partners, international collaborators and business and regulatory
advisors. Over the last 5 years the team has collaborated to develop screening and diagnostic tests and
novel methods of monitoring pregnancy and newborns and the team members have become
international leaders in this area. INFANT will focus on fast-tracking discoveries to the bedside by serving
as a hub for innovation spanning 3 of the major priority areas outlined in the Research Prioritisation
Report; Diagnostics, Medical Devices and Connected Health. These areas are associated with large global
markets that have a strong Irish base. Thus, by directly aligning with areas of national strategic
importance, INFANT will lead to significant economic gains and will transform perinatal care on a global
level, improving outcomes for mothers and babies.
Irish Photonic Integration Research Centre (I-PIC)
Lead Principal Investigator: Prof. Paul Townsend, Head of Photonics
 Prof. Liam Barry, Associate Dean of Research , Faculty of Engineering & Computing, Dublin City
University (DCU);
 Dr Frank Peters, Researcher/ Lecturer, Tyndall National Institute;
 Dr Emanuele Pelucchi, Senior Research Fellow, Tyndall National Institute;
 Mr Brian Corbett, Head of III-V Material and Devices Group, Tyndall National Institute;
 Dr Guillaume Huyet, Head of Centre for Advanced Photonics and process Analysis and Senior, Cork
Institute of Technology (CIT);
 Dr Peter O’ Brien, Principle Investigator Photonics Packaging, Tyndall National Institute;
 Prof. Eoin P.O’Reilly, Head of Theory, Modelling and Design Centre and Head of Photonics Theory,
Tyndall National Institute;
 Prof. Colette McDonagh, Head of School, Dublin City University (DCU);
 Prof Dmitri Papkovsky, Professor of Biochemistry, University College Cork (UCC)
Other Partner Institutions: Tyndall National Institute at UCC, DCU, CIT
Number of Industry Partners: 16
Research Summary
Photonics is the generation, manipulation and utilisation of light, and forms an important enabling
technology that underpins a wide range of application areas. The European photonics market alone is
worth €58billion and is estimated to impact 10% of the European economy.
Major advances in photonics integration are required, however, similar to the development of
electronic integrated circuits some fifty years ago, to enable much higher levels of functionality whilst
simultaneously reducing the cost and size of devices. Advances in photonic integration will enable new
market opportunities in areas such as Communications Technology and Medical Devices, which are key
sectors of the Irish economy, employing over 100,000 people, and have been identified as Key Enabling
Technologies and Research Priorities by the Irish Government.
The Irish Photonic Integration Research Centre (I-PIC) brings together the internationally recognised
Irish research capabilities in Photonics and Biomedical Science and 16 industrial partners, many of
whom are indigenous SMEs. They will share world-class facilities to address the technological
challenges confronting these industries. The specific goals of the centre will be to provide technological
solutions via photonic integration to enable point-of care medical diagnostics, minimally invasive
patient monitoring and screening procedures, and continued growth of the internet.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------INSIGHT- Ireland’s Big Data and Analytics Research Centre
Lead Principal Investigators: Prof. Barry Smyth Director CLARITY Centre
Lead Principal Investigators:
 Professor Alan Smeaton (Project Submission Lead), Professor of Computing, DCU
 Dr Brian Caulfield, TRIL Centre Director, UCD
 Professor Padraig Cunningham, Professor (Director Clique), UCD
 Professor Stefan Decker, Professor for Digital Enterprise, Director of DERI, NUIG
 Professor Barry O’Sullivan, Professor (Chair of Constraint Programming) and Director of 4C, UCC
 Professor Barry Smyth, DIGITAL Chair of Computer Science / CLARITY Director, UCD
Partner Institutions: UCD, UCC, NUIG, DCU, BDI (DCU), CSO Cork, National Library of Ireland, Digital
Repository of Ireland at the Royal Irish Academy.
Number of Industry Partners: 45
Research Summary
The commoditization of connectivity and content through the Internet has highlighted how always-on
data services can transform almost every aspect of our lives. As we enter the age of “Big Data”, we will
witness an unprecedented shift in the quantity and quality of information from all aspects of our lives.
This will provide an unlimited source of raw material for a new generation of transformative knowledgebased industries, from new visions of healthcare to novel location-based and discovery based services.
The ability to mine insights from these data is a new basis for sustained advantage in an increasingly
competitive global marketplace. INSIGHT integrates four world-class research centres to position Ireland
at the heart of data analytics research and develop a scalable and sustainable eco-system for education,
investment, and industry in this crucial technology sector. INSIGHT will develop breakthrough data
analytics technologies to deal with the volume, variety and velocity challenges of Big Data helping
individuals, communities, organisations and societies to make better decisions: better decisions about
where we might live; better decisions about the food we eat and the exercise we should take; better
decisions by our governments when it comes to investing in education, energy, food, healthcare and
infrastructure.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MaREI- Marine Renewable Energy Ireland
Lead Principal Investigator: Prof. Alistair G.L. Borthwick, Head of Department of Civil Engineering, UCC
Co-PIs:









Prof. Tony Lewis, Professor of Energy Engineering and Academic Director of the Maritime
Research Centre (HMRC), UCC
Prof John Ringwood, Professor of Electronic Engineering and Associate Dean for Engineering,
Faculty of Science and Engineering, NUIM
Prof Frederic Dias, Thematic Professor, School of Mathematical Sciences, University College
Dublin
Dr Michael Hartnett, Senior Lecturer, NUIG
Dr Gordon Lightbody, Senior Lecturer, Control Engineering, Department of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering, UCC
Dr Eamon McKeogh, Senior Lecturer in Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCC
Dr Jerry Murphy, Lecturer in Transportation and Lead PI in Bioenergy and Biofuels Research in
ERI, UCC
Dr Dan Toal, Director of Mobile and Marine Robotics Research Centre, Senior Lecturer in
Electronics, UL
Dr Conchur O’Bradaigh, Senior Lecturer, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, NUIG
Partner Institutions: UCC, NMCI, NUIG, Marine Institute, Teagasc, Geological Survey of Ireland.
Number of Industry Partners: 47
Research Summary
Ireland is in one of the best locations in the World in terms of marine renewable energy resources. The
Centre for Marine Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI) will develop the science and technology required
by industry to generate energy from wave, tidal and floating wind devices. MaREI will carry out worldleading research on all aspects required for the success of the marine renewable energy sector while
also educating and training the next generation of engineers and scientists for the marine renewable
energy industry. In particular, MaREI will look at a wide range of challenges concerned with the
optimized deployment of marine renewable energy devices, the connection of such devices to the
national grid, methods for storing the energy generated, and related marine governance, planning,
economics and environmental issues. By making Ireland an international focus for the marine renewable
industry, MaREI will help satisfy national energy demands and ensure that the expected thousands of
jobs created in this sector benefit the national economy. MaREI will itself directly create companies and
jobs, SFI Research Centres Programme Marine Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI) and will act as a
catalyst to Ireland establishing sustainable, secure, profitable energy supply both at home and for
export.
Synthesis & Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC)
Lead Principal Investigator: Prof. B.K. Hodnett - Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Science
Co-PIs:









Professor Martin Albrecht, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical
Biology, University College Dublin (UCD)
Professor Stephen Connon, Professor of Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Trinity
College Dublin (TCD)
Professor Alan Dobson, Professor, Microbiology Department, University College Cork (UCC)
Professor Brian Glennon, Associate Professor, School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering,
University College Dublin (UCD)
Professor Pat Guiry, Head, School of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, (UCD)
Dr Anne Marie Healy, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology,
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
Professor Anita R. Maguire, Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility, Vice President
for Research & Innovation, (UCC)
Professor Åke Rasmuson, Chair of Chemical Engineering & Industrial Chemistry, Dept. of
Chemical & Environmental Sciences, University of Limerick (UL)
Professor Gavin Walker, Bernal Chair in Pharmaceutical Powder Engineering, Department of
Chemical & Environmental Sciences (UL)
Partner Institutions: U/Limerick, UCD, TCD, UCC and DCU
Number of Industry Partners: 16
Research Summary including economic impact
The overarching aim of the SSPC2 Centre will be to better understand mechanisms, control processes
and predict outcomes for the efficient and environmentally sustainable production of safe medicines.
This will be achieve by utilising a “molecule-to-medicine” approach that encompasses chemical
synthesis, crystal engineering, and drug production and manufacture. A total of 19 individual projects
will be carried out, which all fall under one of three main themes:
 New Frontiers in Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Efficient synthetic routes and processes for
molecules that are precursors to potential pharmaceutically relevant materials;
 Crystal Growth and Design: Studying the physical characteristics of crystalline materials and
their interactions to understand how to utilise them most effectively as active pharmaceutical
ingredients;
 Drug Product Formulation and Manufacture: Using science- and engineering-based knowledge
to optimise solid-state pharmaceutics and produce new and improved drug formulations.
The SSPC2 Centre will continue the work of its forerunner, the SSPC SRC, in providing critical support to
the national pharmaceutical industry, which is the most significant industrial sector in Ireland, directly
employing over 25,000 people and creating revenue that totalled 56% of all exports in 2012. Ireland has
attracted 13 of the 15 largest pharmaceutical multinational companies to its shores; SSPC2 are already
working with many of these companies to develop new and improved processing technologies, and help
to retain the economic value of important drugs, many of which are soon to lose their patent protection.