Biodesign Europe: DCU and ASU Launch Transatlantic Collaborative Funding Programme to Tackle Global Research Challenges
In a joint step toward addressing urgent global challenges, Dublin City University (DCU) and Arizona State University (ASU), through Biodesign Europe, have launched a collaborative research programme, representing a collective investment from both institutions of approximately €1 million. The programme will fund two innovative research projects, each led by a Principal Investigator and supported by a PhD student from both institutions. The programme will focus on advancing healthcare technologies, as well as sustainable materials and manufacturing, reflecting the universities' commitment to addressing key issues in these critical fields.
This programme is the latest milestone in a long-standing partnership between DCU and ASU, which began in 2006 and culminated in the establishment of the Transatlantic Higher Education Partnership in 2013. One of the partnership's flagship achievements is the creation of Biodesign Europe, a collaborative research initiative at DCU. Biodesign Europe combines the expertise and infrastructure of ASU’s renowned Biodesign Institute with DCU’s cutting-edge research capabilities, fostering a transdisciplinary approach to solving complex global problems. Executive Director Prof Nicholas Dunne leads Biodesign Europe in close collaboration with Dr. Joshua LaBaer, Prof and Executive Director of the Biodesign Institute at ASU.
Funded projects will produce promising preliminary data or pilot work. This work will lay the groundwork for the research team to competitively apply for larger, external funding to sustain the collaboration beyond the duration of the PhD projects.
“This programme represents a significant investment in the future of transatlantic research,” said Prof John Doyle, Vice President for Research at DCU. “By fostering collaboration between two world-class institutions, we are empowering our researchers to tackle complex problems that transcend national borders.”
Echoing this sentiment, Prof Lara Ferry, Vice President for Research with ASU Knowledge Enterprise added, “Our partnership with DCU is rooted in shared values of innovation and sustainability. This new programme will provide the platform for groundbreaking work in healthcare and sustainable materials, ensuring that our research has real-world impact.”
Prof Nicholas Dunne, Executive Director of Biodesign Europe, emphasised the importance of this programme for nurturing young researchers: “By integrating PhD students into these collaborative projects, we’re not only advancing cutting-edge research but also developing the next generation of global scientific leaders who will bridge disciplines and borders.”
Dr. LaBaer also highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership: “ASU and DCU’s commitment to tackling major societal challenges is stronger than ever. This program is a clear demonstration of our shared goal to develop transformative solutions for a healthier, more sustainable world.”
Funding will be allocated following a competitive application process which opens following an online launch event on Monday, September 23rd.
How to Apply
The call for proposals is now open to academics from DCU’s Faculty of Science and Health, Faculty of Engineering and Computing, and their counterparts at the ASU Biodesign Institute. Prospective PhD students eager to join this exciting initiative are encouraged to apply.
For further information about the application process and programme details, visit the official programme page or download the full call document.