TCD researcher receives SFI President of Ireland Young Researcher Award

Posted on: 19 June 2008

Dr Daniel Kelly, a lecturer in Biomechanical Engineering at Trinity College Dublin was awarded the 2008 Science Foundation Ireland President of Ireland Young Researcher Award (PIYRA) by President Mary McAleese at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin on June 12.

Dr Kelly’s research focuses on regenerative adult stem cell based technology to develop alternative sources of cells for cartilage repair. Through the award Dr Kelly will receive funding of almost €1 million over the next 5 years and will also spend time abroad working in a laboratory with a complementary research background, which will allow him to bring back vital new skills and experience to his research group in Trinity College Dublin.

Commenting on the award to Dr Kelly, President Mary McAleese said: “I am delighted to present this year’s award, and to see someone being fittingly acknowledged for their foresight, vision and application. It is important that we encourage our young and talented researchers to remain in Ireland and contribute to the outstanding research community that we are seeking to build. I am sure that in the future Dr Kelly will make a significant impact in his chosen field and also directly on people’s lives though the impact of his research in the area of osteoarthritis.”

“It is a real honour to have my research work recognised in this way.” stated Dr Kelly at the award ceremony. “The PIYRA award will allow me to develop a multidisciplinary research group of engineers, scientists and clinicians in the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, at TCD’s School of Engineering . The scientific advancements that I believe are necessary in the area of cartilage repair can only be made through the establishment of such a team and through the significant level of financial support provided by the PIYRA award. In addition, the mentoring programme that SFI has put in place will provide me with key scientific input and guidance.”

Now in its fifth year, PIYRA is Science Foundation Ireland ‘s most prestigious accolade, recognising young engineers and scientists from around the world who have displayed extraordinary ability and leadership in their field at an early stage in their career. Science Foundation Ireland received 19 proposals in the areas of Biotechnology and Information & Communications Technology for the 2008 PIYRA competition. Dr Kelly was the sole recipient following the rigorous peer-review by international experts.