DCU launches new Life Sciences Institute research centre

Dublin City University has launched the Life Sciences Institute, a new multidisciplinary research centre focused on the study of living organisms, based on the university’s Glasnevin campus. 

With a mission to 'Transform Challenges into Impact', LSI’s more than 70 research teams are focused on addressing global challenges in areas such as cancer treatment, environmental monitoring, human nutrition, bioplastics and neuroscience.

Close collaboration with industry and societal partners is key to the LSI’s remit. The Institute’s vision is to be Ireland's 'go-to' centre for Life Science facilities, technology, knowledge, training and collaboration.

The centre brings DCU’s recognised expertise in the Life Science field together in a single, collaborative institute, with researchers drawn from variety of expert areas in the university - from biotechnology to chemical sciences, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, physical sciences, psychology, health and human performance, mathematical sciences, nursing, community health, and psychotherapy. 

Speaking at the LSI launch, President of DCU Professor Dáire Keogh said: 

Life Science has never been more important in the face of global challenges ranging from the environment to human health. DCU Life Sciences Institute is an exciting and important initiative for the University and for the wider scientific ecosystem. With its talented team and its cross-disciplinary approach, LSI is set to make a significant contribution to our research output and impact.

Professor Anne Parle-McDermott, director of the Life Sciences Institute, described its aims at the launch: 

Life science research is critical to finding solutions to many of the world’s biggest challenges, and our mission is to ‘transform challenges into impact.’ We’ve brought together an innovative and talented team of over 70 principal investigators, and we are planning to work with industry, charities, and state bodies to identify key challenges within health, food and the environment that we need to find solutions for to ensure a sustainable future.

For more information, you can visit the DCU Life Sciences Institute website at dcu.ie/lifesciences or email lsi@dcu.ie.