€13.5m Funding Into Health Research

€13.5m is to go towards funding for new health research projects announced today by Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar.

A total of 36 projects are being supported by the Health Research Board (HRB) over the next three to five years, including research into cancer, asthma, kidney injuries and antibiotics.

Minister Varadkar said: "These 36 projects cover a huge range of areas, including research into stem cell research to fight pneumonia, developing diet and exercise plans following cancer surgery and combating osteoporosis in older HIV patients. Others will look at how to help asthma sufferers who cannot control their condition, new treatments for resistant types of breast cancer, and the impact of salt on kidney function. Many of these projects receiving funding today will go on to make a real difference to people’s lives, not just in Ireland but around the world."

Graham Love, Chief Executive at the Health Research Board said: "The HRB focuses on driving more research into policy and practice. This is illustrated by today’s investments. Innovation can help bridge the gap between demand for health services and the resources to pay for them. That innovation comes from implementing top class research, which is our raison d’être at the HRB."

Contracts have already begun, with research set to start immediately. 32 will received awards of up to €330,000 and must be completed in three years, while four will receive up to €800,000 and will be completed within five years.

The research teams are spread across Ireland, with researchers linked to TCD, UCD, NUI Galway, UCC, RCSI, Athlone Institute of Technology, Maynooth University and University of Limerick.

(IT/CD)