300 million investment in 7 world-class Research Centres – Minister Bruton, Minister Sherlock
Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Sean Sherlock, TD, Minister for Research and Innovation today announced a landmark investment by the Government in scientific research which is closely aligned to industry and enterprise needs, job opportunities and societal goals.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD said, "The €300million investment announced today, and the 7 new, large-scale, world-class research centres it will support, are aimed at achieving a step-change in the reputation and performance of Ireland’s research system. This will support more than 800 talented scientists, develop cutting-edge research and new technologies, attract dynamic partnerships with industry and ultimately help to create the jobs we need”.

Speaking at the announcement the Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD said,"This is a landmark moment in the evolution of Ireland’s research system which will deliver major economic and societal benefits for Ireland in the years to come. “Today’s unprecedented funding announcement will help deliver the quality jobs of the future for Ireland in a range of areas such as information and communications technology; internet based services; pharmaceuticals; medical technologies and energy amongst other things”.

Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of SFI, said, “These seven funded research centres were selected from 35 proposals following a highly competitive and rigorous international peer review process. This 20% success rate is comparable to international funding success rates.  Each centre proposal was examined for scientific excellence through international scientific review by eminent scientists from the world’s leading universities and for potential economic impact through an international impact review by distinguished industrial R&D leaders, high technology investors, translational institute directors and tech transfer directors from world leading universities.  Over 100 esteemed international reviewers have joined with Industry and agency experts to ensure that the centres supported have excellent science with the potential to deliver societal and economic impact. ”
The centres will be in the following areas:

1. Big Data
2. Marine renewable energy
3. Nanotechnology/engineered materials
4. Food for health/functional foods
5. Photonics
6. Perinatal Translational Research – INFANT: which will focus on fast-tracking discoveries relating to most complications of pregnancy and newborn babies and service a huge societal and economic need globally.
7. Drug synthesis/crystallization

INFANT - Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research

Co-Lead Principal Investigators:
Prof Geraldine Boylan, Professor of Neonatal Physiology, Paediatrics & Child Health, UCC
Prof. Louise Kenny, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UCC 

Co-PIs:
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.

For more information go to the Science Foundation Ireland website at www.sfi.ie