Profesor Luke O’Neill Appointed as First Director of Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute

Posted on: 03 November 2011

Trinity College Dublin has appointed the first Academic Director of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Professor Luke O’Neill.  Professor of Biochemistry at the School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Luke O’Neill is a leading immunologist who has made a significant contribution to international research.  As Director of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Professor O’Neill will oversee Trinity’s multi-disciplinary biomedical and bioscience research effort.

Speaking about his new position Professor O’Neill said: “I am delighted to take on this important role for Trinity College Dublin.  Fundamental discovery research in biomedicine is key for Ireland’s future, and the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute will be a focal point for both academia and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors in Ireland.”

The Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute on Pearse Street is a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research facility.  The facility, which will ultimately house over 700 researchers drawn from the Schools of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medicine, Chemistry, Pharmacy and Engineering, redefines the scientific research landscape in Ireland and will allow the country take an international lead in the delivery of quality pharmaceutical and biotechnology programmes.  Built around the areas of immunology, cancer and medical devices and linked directly to both medical education and industrial collaboration, the Institute will contribute to the improvement of the physical health of Irish society. Through a combination of innovation and regeneration it will also underpin the longer-term economic health of the Irish economy.  It is supported through funding from the Higher Education Authority’s Program for Research in Third Level Institutes.

About Professor Luke O’Neill:

Professor Luke O’Neill has emerged as a world leader through his pioneering work in the fields of immunology and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.  His internationally recognised research into the molecular basis for inflammatory and infectious diseases has won him numerous awards including Science Foundation Ireland’s inaugural SFI Researcher of the Year award and the RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence.  He has published extensively in peer review journals such as Nature Immunology, Cellular Microbiology and Cell.  According to data provided by Thomson Reuters, immunology research carried out by Trinity College Dublin has placed Ireland in the top three nations worldwide.