RCSI researchers have secured more than €2.3 million in funding from the Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future programme, in support of innovative projects aimed at improving treatments for spinal fractures, childhood heart failure and epilepsy.

The funding, announced today by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, is part of a €34.5 million national investment to support 39 research projects across Irish institutions.

Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: “We are investing in cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research, and empowering individual researchers to progress bold ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. These awards demonstrate our dedication to building a diverse and inclusive research community that delivers impact for our society and economy. I look forward to seeing the development and outputs of these projects over the coming years.”

At RCSI, three principal investigators were successful in securing awards through the highly competitive programme.

Dr Ciara Murphy, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, has received €809,771 to develop a biodegradable, 3D-printed stent which will work in together with a therapeutic, injectable biomaterial to transform the treatment of spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis. Current treatment methods often rely on permanent cement injections, which can be associated with complications and reduced quality of life.

Dr Jennifer Dowling, Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and Investigator at FutureNeuro Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science, has been granted €791,428 to explore a promising new therapeutic target for epilepsy. Focusing on the brain protein arginase-2, the research will examine its potential to reduce seizures and inflammation by restoring normal energy metabolism in the brain.

Dr Aamir Hameed, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, was awarded €725,760 for a project that addresses a critical gap in paediatric cardiac care. Working in partnership with Professor Colin McMahon at Children’s Health Ireland and with the support of Boston Scientific, the research aims to establish a mechanical device programme to pave the way for the development of mechanical heart support devices specifically designed for young children. This award is funded by the Children’s Health Foundation.

Welcoming the announcement, Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said: “These awards reflect the calibre and ambition of RCSI’s research community. From developing novel biomaterials and paediatric cardiac devices to pioneering new treatments for neurological disease, our researchers are advancing science that is directly relevant to patients and clinicians. We are proud to see their excellence recognised at national level through this important programme.”