Excellent Research
SFI supports and drives Ireland’s contribution to the latest scientific breakthroughs which lead to innovation for academia, enterprise, the public sector, government, society and beyond. SFI-funded researchers are at the forefront of solving some of Ireland and the world’s greatest challenges.
Publications and Citations
SFI Researcher of the Year 2021
William Gallagher, Professor of Cancer Biology at UCD, was recognised as the 2021 SFI Researcher of the Year. His highly esteemed, international reputation in oncology research and innovation, is particularly in the area of molecular diagnostics. Amongst his key achievements is the identification and validation of multiple biomarkers for predicting outcomes in patients with breast and other cancers, as well as conceiving and accelerating the development of several novel anti-cancer agents. Critically, his discoveries have transitioned towards clinical use, demonstrating the clear impact of this new scientific knowledge on our society in both healthcare and economic terms. In addition, he is Deputy Director of Precision Oncology Ireland, a nationwide SFI Strategic Research Partnership focused on developing better treatment strategies and diagnostics for cancer patients.
Pictured left: Prof William Gallagher, University College Dublin.
Research finds tap water can shield against microplastics
A study published in Chemical Engineering Journal revealed that tap water contains trace elements and minerals which prevent plastics from degrading in the water and releasing microplastics. Co-led by Prof John Boland and Dr Jing Jing Wang from the AMBER SFI Centre for Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research at TCD and UCD, the study found that many items such as plastic kettles, which are repeatedly used with tap water, can develop a protective skin over time, which can prevent the release of microplastics entirely. Microplastics can carry a range of contaminants such as trace metals and some potentially harmful organic chemicals.
Pictured right: Microplastics Group led by Dr Jing Jing Wang and Prof John Boland at the AMBER SFI Research Centre for Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research and CRANN, with internal collaboration from TrinityHaus and TCD’s School of Engineering and School of Chemistry. Pictured l-r: Prof John Boland, Dr Jing Jing Wang, Prof Liwen Xiao, Dr Dunzhu Li, Dr Yunhong Shi, and Dr Luming Yang.
Microbe research finds potential to reverse aging in the brain
Research from APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre at UCC, has introduced a novel approach to reversing aspects of age-related deterioration in the brain via microorganisms, known as microbes, in the gut. Published in the leading international scientific journal Nature Aging, the study was carried out by researchers in the Brain-Gut-Microbiota lab, led by Principal Investigator and Vice President for Research and Innovation at UCC, Prof John F. Cryan.
Pictured left: Dr Thomaz Bastiaanssen, Prof John Cryan, Dr Marcus Boehme and Katherine Guzzetta from the from APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre at UCC. Image: Clare Keogh.
Explore The Report - Our Key Chapters
- Talent and Skills
From training highly sought-after PhD students, to supporting early career frontiers researchers and senior research leaders, SFI is working to attract and retain the best talent.
Find out more - Global Footprint
In 2021, SFI continued to build strategic international collaborative research partnerships across the globe.
Find out more - Driving Competitiveness
SFI is fostering a cohesive research and innovation ecosystem that supports Ireland’s competitiveness.
Find out more - Annual Report 2021
Talent and Skills
From training highly sought-after PhD students, to supporting early career frontiers researchers and senior research leaders, SFI is working to attract and retain the best talent.
Find out more about Talent and SkillsGlobal Footprint
In 2021, SFI continued to build strategic international collaborative research partnerships across the globe.
Find out more about Global FootprintDriving Competitiveness
SFI is fostering a cohesive research and innovation ecosystem that supports Ireland’s competitiveness.
Find out more about Driving Competitiveness