New Academic Collaboration between Trinity’s School of Medicine and University of Michigan

Posted on: 04 March 2010

A new academic collaboration between TCD’s School of Medicine and the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Michigan will enable both institutions to develop their respective academic strengths and research strategies.

There is significant commonality in research between TCD’s School of Medicine and the Department of Physiology at the University of Michigan particularly in the areas of physiology of ageing, neuroscience and signal transduction.  The collaboration will enable PhD students and post-doctoral fellows from both institutions conduct research at the partner university as part of their training, facilitating the pooling of intellect and the creation of centres of excellence in the international arena.

Speaking about the new academic collaboration Dr Thomas Connor, Director of postgraduate teaching and learning at TCD’s School of Medicine said: “This collaboration represents an excellent opportunity for early stage researchers to acquire new skills and expertise in high calibre academic environments.”  Dr Bishr Omary, Chair of the Department of Physiology, University of Michigan commented: “I am very excited about this terrific opportunity for Michigan and Trinity trainees and faculty to develop life-long collaborations and friendships.  It also meshes well with the interests of our Dean, Dr James Woolliscroft, and his global outreach efforts.”

TCD’s School of Medicine will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2011.  Since its foundation it has played a pivotal role in internationalising Irish medicine and has a proud tradition of scholarship and research.  The Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Michigan is a research intensive academic unit and is home to a vibrant graduate training programme in biomedical sciences.

Professor Dermot Kelleher, Head of the School of Medicine and Vice-Provost for Medical Affairs said: “This new collaborative initiative is consistent with the mission of Trinity College’s School of Medicine in advancing research and education in the life sciences through strategic partnership and collaboration”.