The International Centre for Neurotherapeutics opening
18 November 2002

Prof J Oliver Dolly, SFI Research Professor and Director, International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dr Larry Wheeler, Senior Vice President of Biological Sciences at Allergan Inc., Prof Ferdinand von Prondzynski, DCU President and Prof Malcolm Smyth Dean of Faculty of Science and Health

The International Centre for Neurotherapeutics (ICNT) was officially opened on Monday 15 November 2004 by Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, DCU President.

The ICNT is a newly-established, multi-disciplinary and well-funded Centre undertaking research into the fundamental mechanisms of neurotransmitter release and its control by voltage-activated ptoassium channels. Such a major initiative was launched to develop novel treatments for certain neuronal disorders, based on deciphering the molecular basis of abnormalities in synaptic transmission. The research is funded by Science Foundation Ireland, Allergan Inc. and the U.S. Government.

The new ICNT facility at Dublin City University was refurbished during 2004, and comprises 500 m2 of laboratory and office space to house a team of up to 25 investigators. There are 12 laboratories with a range of support units, and a bridge linking the Research & Engineering and Science Buildings at the second floor level.

Prof J Oliver Dolly, SFI Research Professor and Director, International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dr Larry Wheeler, Senior Vice President of Biological Sciences at Allergan Inc., Prof Ferdinand von Prondzynski, DCU President and Prof Malcolm Smyth Dean of Faculty of Science and Health

The ICNT team

This is presently made up of 15 staff led by Professor J. Oliver Dolly, a molecular neurobiologist, whose area of expertise encompasses many aspects of communication in the nervous system.

After obtaining a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biochemistry at University College Galway, Oliver moved to the U.K. for Ph.D. training. The subsequent award of a fellowship from the Muscular Dystrophy Association of America led to 3 years post-doctoral work in the University of Buffalo, before being appointed to a faculty position at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

On the invitation of Professor Eric Barnard, FRS, this progressive Galway man joined the academic staff of the Biochemistry Department at Imperial College London and went on to become Professor of Molecular Neurobiology. After 27 years there, where he directed a well-funded Centre for Neurobiochemistry, the award of a prestigious Research Professorship by Science Foundation Ireland attracted him back to Ireland. Here he has secured additional long-term funding from Allergan Inc. and the U.S. Government, and established an International Centre for Neurotherapeutics as a platform for promoting inter-disciplinary collaboration between researchers and industrial partners, both at home and abroad.