Research Newsletter - Issue 103: Information and Updates

Please click on the headings below for further information:

The Biological Safety Committee (BSC) is available to DCU researchers to review and provide advice on all aspects of work involving the use of biological agents, as defined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations, 2013 to 2020, including work with materials of biological origin and with genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) as defined in the GMO (Contained Use) Regulations 2001 to 2010. The Health and Safety Authority have recently updated advice on the risk assessment of biological agents, and the application of safe working practices to contain them, through the publication of a Biological Agents Code of Practice in 2020 and a guidebook to Managing Exposure to Biological Agents in Laboratories in 2023.

If you would like advice on how these changes may affect your work, or on any other aspect of safely working with biological agents or materials of biological origin, please contact Dr Gary Lawrence via bio.safety@dcu.ie.

Have you served as an EU Funding Programme Evaluator or as part as a member of any EU Commission Expert Groups?

As a proposed output of the ongoing EU Research Development Resources Project, the Research Development & Support Team are developing a rolling register of DCU Academic and Research Staff that have:

Served as a programme evaluator for EU Funding Programmes
Served as an expert as part of any of the EU Commission Expert Groups

If you have served (or are currently serving) in either capacity, we would encourage you to note the details at the link here.

This register will be held internally and will be used to leverage existing expertise in EU funding and provide support for peers and colleagues applying for EU Funding.

The form will remain open on a rolling basis, and we encourage you to update your engagement level on a regular basis.

For more information on the EU Research Development Resources Project, please contact Project Lead owner Dr Ecaterina McDonagh via ecaterina.mcdonagh@dcu.ie.

New Research Data Librarian

Gwendolyn O'Connor is DCU Library's new Research Data Librarian. Gwen provides support and consultation on research data management and data management plans for all DCU researchers. You can contact her at gwendolyn.oconnor@dcu.ie.

DCU Core Technologies Discovery Day

The Core Technologies team hosted its inaugural DCU Core Technologies Discovery Day on 11th April 2025. Nearly 50 researchers and principal investigators from DCU and four other universities attended the event, which showcased the advanced technologies and expertise available within DCU’s Core Technology labs.

Attendees were shown how easily they can access state-of-the-art instruments, cutting-edge facilities, and expert technical support through presentations and tours of the NRF and LSRF buildings. They also gained valuable insights from compelling presentations that highlighted real-world applications that have benefited from the technologies.

Special thanks to DCU President Professor Dáire Keogh, Associate Professor Seán Jordan (School of Chemical Sciences), Dr Keith O’Neill (Novus Diagnostics), Dr John Redmond, and Bevin Herward for their valuable contributions to the day.

Contact:

For any queries please contact research.facilities@dcu.ie or robbie.sinnott@dcu.ie

Further information is available at the CORE Technologies website or via the CORE Technologies LinkedIn page.