DCU researchers successful in SFI's Investigators Programme 2012

Three Researchers from DCU have been awarded funding totalling €1.4M* under Science Foundation Irelands Investigator Programme. Prof Alan Harvey, Vice-President for Research welcomed the funding announcement of these prestigious awards saying 'The SFI Investigator Awards represent an important investment in future technology development which will help underpin DCU's role as a university of enterprise.'

• Dr Dermot Brougham, School of Chemical Sciences, will research the development of magnetic nanoparticles for use in biomedical imaging by modifying the particle surface to enhance bio-compatibility. This work will enhance medical imaging capability, focussing on early cancer detection.

• Dr Dermot Brabazon, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, will implement advanced laser processing techniques for the development of improved systems for separation and identification of chemical and biological species. This research work, supporting Irish based industries, will provide novel systems which will enable enhanced detection resolution within shorter periods and with low associated costs.

• Professor John Costello, School of Physics, will develop a novel stagnation layer methodology for laser ablation; laser ablation is a technology that underpins a number of key analytical techniques employed in materials, biopharmaceuticals, security, forensics and environmental monitoring.

* €1.8 M including oveheads of 30%.