€10m Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences launched at DCU

The first phase of a €10 million initiative comprising five linked projects at DCU and NUI-Galway was launched at Dublin City University.

“This is the first major initiative of its type in the Biopharma sector. The recruitment of over 30 researchers in the initial phase of the long-term research programme is now almost complete”, he said.

The new Centre has been co-funded by a research grant from the IDA and Bristol-Myers Squibb. When fully manned within a few months, the Centre's staff will include a complement of 35 principal investigators, post doctorates, postgraduates and other support personnel.

According to Professor Diamond, “This partnership between BMS, DCU and NUI-Galway is an exciting example of Government/IDA commitment to develop a stronger research dimension within multinational industries in Ireland. This programme will not only generate valuable research knowledge and know-how, but it will also grow the research leaders of tomorrow, who will further develop research capabilities within the rapidly growing Irish Biopharma sector”.

Bristol Myers Squibb was the first pharmaceutical company to locate in Ireland in 1964. Ireland is now a key global location for the pharmaceutical industry, one of the most stable sectors of the economy. It employs more than 17,000 people in Ireland and is one of the world’s largest exporters of pharmaceutical products.

Dr John Tabor of Bristol-Myers Squibb indicated his company's support for this collaborative process and that he looks forward to monitoring the progress of the efforts of all the teams on a regular basis.

According to President von Prondzynski, "this is an exciting prospect whereby the talent at two Irish universities can be challenged to provide solutions which may have immediate worldwide biopharmaceutical industrial application."

A feature of the projects is that all involve activities at both university campuses. Three of the projects will be based primarily at DCU
– Advanced Analytical Platforms led by Professor Brian MacCraith
– Biomolecular Recognition led by Dr. Brendan O’Connor
– Microfluidics and Separations led by Dr. Brett Paull

The launch of this collaborative venture was attended by the President of DCU, Prof Ferdinand von Prondzynski, the Deputy President of NUI Galway, Dr Jim Browne, and Dr John Tabor, Vice President, Biotechnology Global Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company of Syracuse New York.