Vincent P. Kelly
Professor in Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin
A newly launched research hub is set to transform cutting-edge biomedical research into commercially viable therapies, supporting the growth of Ireland’s indigenous companies.
Ireland is recognised for its world-class scientific research. The current Irish research ecosystem, however, lacks the structured support needed to move innovations from lab to market. Consequently, breakthrough discoveries don’t always translate into real-world therapeutic options or indigenous companies. “There is a need to increase the knowledge and expertise on how to bring research out of universities and into product development,” explains Vincent Kelly, Professor in Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin.
Uniting forces to drive innovation
The Research Ireland ARC Hub for Therapeutics is a collaborative initiative between Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, the Hub aims to guide academic projects to commercial success on a national scale, accelerating the real-world impact of therapeutic discovery in areas such as cancer, infection and metabolic disorders.
Supporting people early on in their
careers is key to creating a new
generation of innovators.
“We’re educating researchers to become entrepreneurs,” Prof Kelly explains. “The ARC Hub draws upon the existing Irish biomedical ecosystem to centralise expertise, engaging investors, industry leaders, academics and advisors to help researchers. It brings traditionally scattered information and resources into one unified and accessible hub.”
By creating this synthesis of support, the Hub aims to turn Ireland’s ongoing academic excellence into global biotech leadership. “We bring together the knowledge and expertise of 11 principal investigators, making them extremely valuable to the next generation,” adds William Gallagher, Professor of Cancer Biology, UCD.
Empowering the next generation of life science entrepreneurs
“Supporting people early on in their careers is key to creating a new generation of innovators. We’re not just backing projects; we’re backing people,” says Prof Leonie Young, RCSI Dept. of Surgery.
Early researchers will have the opportunity to tap into a wide knowledge base, with mentorship, training and funding available to directly support their ideas. With over 110 therapeutic research projects under consideration, the ARC Hub is set to strengthen Ireland’s reputation for excellence across life sciences and therapeutic innovation.
