DCU has been awarded €34.3 million in the latest round of funding from PRTLI (Programme for Research in Third-level Institutions) announced by the Minister for Education and Science, Dr Michael Woods. The DCU proposal is to fund a National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology (NICB) based in DCU and supported by researchers from NUI Maynooth and the Institute of Technology, Tallaght.

Led by Professor Martin Clynes the research team will investigate the molecular functions of human cells in order to discover and develop new treatments for a variety of human diseases with particular emphasis on cancer, diabetes and infections.

The research team is made up of scientists in biotechnology and chemistry from DCU, NUI Maynooth and IT Tallaght, supported by researchers in communications and computer applications from DCU.

Speaking of the award the president of the university, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski stressed the multi-disciplinary nature of NICB's research programmes. "Science should never work in isolation. Biotechnology has the capacity to change our lives in a very real and positive sense. It is important that scientists and society in general debate the ethical and social issues surrounding this new technology. The NICB will make a substantial contribution to the application of biotechnology for the benefit of mankind."

According to Professor Conor Long, Dean of Research, "DCU has a well established reputation in biotechnology. We introduced the first undergraduate programme in biotechnology in Ireland in 1982 and since then have developed teaching and research in biotechnology as a core strategic focus."

Most new disease treatments over the coming 20 years will be based on advances in biotechnology. This will result in a substantial expansion of the biopharmaceutical industry. This latest PRTLI investment will enable the NICB at DCU to advance the underlying research base and maximise the commercial and employment opportunities for Ireland.

Initial NICB research programmes will include:- investigating drug resistance in cancer and in bacterial and fungal infections, engineering stem cells to produce insulin for the treatment of diabetes, and designing and producing new drugs using cells as 'mini factories'. This research will also involve collaboration with a number of Dublin hospitals.

Core to the ethos of the NICB is the broadening of the debate on the ethics of biotechnology and its applications. Brian Trench, School of Communications, will promote public debate on issues such as patenting of living organisms and genes, and research on human stem cells.

ENDS

Contact: Eilis O'Brien: 087 205 7125