APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre today unveiled their 2021 - 2026 Strategic Vision Document. The virtual event featured contributions from An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD.

At the launch, APC Director Prof Paul Ross outlined a vision for “a new dedicated building which will be a hive of innovation to position Ireland at the forefront of precision nutrition and medicine and a portfolio of thriving high-potential APC spin-out companies across a range of microbiome fields.” Prof Ross also outlined targets for the development of functional foods, medical foods and live biotherapeutics to improve human (and animal) health, the development of microbiome solutions to microbiome-based challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), pathogen persistence and methane production in developed & developing countries and improved patient care through our microbiome research and expertise. Prof Ross says “Our people are our strength and we will continue our recruitment campaign to attract scientific stars in microbiome science. We are also on a journey with industrial partners and stakeholders to translate and exploit microbiomes with a view to developing biological solutions which will improve human, animal and planetary health .” 

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Since it was founded in 2003, APC as I have known, has played a critical role in the development of Ireland’s knowledge economy and job creation in the food, agriculture, bio technology, diagnostics, veterinary and pharmaceutical sectors. Scientific discoveries in this area have contributed to progress on a host of global health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, obesity, mental health, successful aging and inflammatory diseases.”

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, said: “APC Microbiome Ireland, as one of the 16 SFI Research Centres, has since its foundation in 2003, been delivering excellent world-leading research, engaging with enterprise, driving innovation and most importantly training the next generation of researchers. APC has shown that with talent and investment we here in Ireland can undertake cutting edge impactful research, competing with the very best internationally and equally contributing solutions to address society’s needs. We all understand, now more than ever, the importance and value of research and innovation in our lives, and I particularly welcome the important education and public engagement role that APC and all SFI Research Centres undertake.” 

APC Microbiome Ireland is a world leading SFI research centre, with over 300 researchers and clinicians based in headquarters University College Cork and Teagasc as well as partner institutes MTU, NUIG, UCD, NIBRT, UL and TCD. It also has strategic partnerships with companies from the food, pharma and biotech sectors. APC Microbiome Ireland nurtures a strong international network of academic, community and industry relationships and collaborates extensively with these stakeholders to explore how to harness and manipulate microbes for the good of human and planetary health.

View a recording of the virtual event below: