Three early-career researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have secured a combined €1.94 million in funding from Research Ireland’s prestigious Pathway Programme, aimed at supporting the next generation of independent research leaders in Ireland.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, announced the investment on behalf of Research Ireland commenting: “This investment, through Research Ireland’s Pathway Programme, will support emerging researchers in their journey from postdoctoral work towards establishing themselves as independent investigators.

“The projects receiving funding span a range of disciplines, ensuring a broad impact on scientific discovery and societal progress.”

Advancing breakthrough research 

The Pathway Programme provides funding over four years and includes support for a postgraduate student on each project who will be primarily supervised by the awardee.

Three RCSI researchers were among the awardees announced:

• Dr Gemma Leon, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences: Dr Leon’s research investigates the heightened risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on the role of activated protein C (APC) in regulating inflammation and thrombogenicity. Her work aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for IBD and related disorders.
• Dr Ian Woods, RCSI Tissue Engineering Research Group: Dr Woods is developing a minimally-invasive, nanomaterial-enabled implant designed to deliver electrical stimulation directly to damaged neurons. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionise treatment for traumatic brain injury, offering a pro-regenerative solution for patients currently lacking effective therapies.
• Dr Jonathan Briody, School of Population Health: Dr Briody’s project will develop an open-source, health-economic model for Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Ireland. By incorporating the lived experiences and preferences of patients and caregivers, the model aims to improve care outcomes and resource allocation in an ageing population.

Addressing healthcare challenges

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said: “We are immensely proud of our early-career researchers who have been recognised in this competitive national programme and we look forward to supporting them further in establishing independent research careers at RCSI.

“From brain injury repair to chronic disease management and health policy innovation, these projects are addressing critical healthcare challenges in Ireland and beyond.”

This funding aligns with national strategies promoting health innovation, digital well-being, and inclusive public policy. The Research Ireland Pathway Programme is co-funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Met Éireann, who have collectively contributed €1.7m.