Leading Immunologist Professor Luke O’Neill Wins 2009 Boyle Medal

Posted on: 07 October 2009

Professor Luke O’Neill of the School of Biochemistry and Immunology has won the 2009 RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence for his pioneering work on the molecular understanding of innate immunity and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.  The judging panel, made up of seven international scientific peers, unanimously chose Professor O’Neill as the winner from a shortlist of four world class scientists.

Professor O’Neill’s research, which focuses on ‘toll-like receptors’, a family of proteins that respond to infection by triggering inflammation in order to eliminate invading microbes, has gained worldwide recognition. Concentrating on the molecular and cellular basis of inflammation his research examines new treatments for diseases involving the immune system.  He also studies innate immunity, the part of our immune system that does not make use of antibodies but fights infection in a non-specific way.  Upon hearing the news that he had won, Professor O’Neill said: “I am extremely honoured to have my research recognised in this way.  The Boyle Medal is an award of international importance and I am truly delighted.”

Professor Luke O’Neill wins 2009 Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence.

The members of the 2009 Boyle Medal International Judging Panel came to their decision after a study of the candidates’ research records and also a direct discussion with each candidate which took place in the RDS.  Speaking following their deliberations, the judges commented: “In Luke O’Neill you have an individual who has made a significant contribution to international research into the immune system.  He is a fantastic ambassador for Irish science.”  They also praised his involvement in education and industry and his participation in international research meetings.  

Inaugurated in 1899, the Boyle Medal continues to recognise scientific research of exceptional merit and since its inception has been awarded to 37 distinguished scientists, including John Joly in 1911 and Garret FitzGerald in 2005.  The Medal is awarded biennially, alternating between a scientist based in Ireland and an Irish scientist based abroad.  Since 1999 the awarding of the Boyle Medal became a joint venture between the Royal Dublin Society and The Irish Times.  This is the first year the award also includes a cash prize of €20,000.

The Boyle Medal will be conferred on Professor O’Neill at the RDS on Monday, November 16th next at 7pm.  As the Boyle Medal laureate, Professor O’Neill will give a public lecture describing his research.  The lecture is free of charge and open to the public.