October Minister O’Donovan launches Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation

University of Galway sets ambitious agenda of research excellence for public   

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan T.D. has today officially launched the new Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at University of Galway. 

The new research institute brings together more than 200 researchers and academics at the University to pioneer the understanding of disease, and solutions for healthcare. 

The Institute’s strategic combination of expertise will facilitate sustained, research-led development at University of Galway, further positioning the Greater Galway region as the centre of Ireland’s global medtech hub and a significant contributor to economic growth and regional development.  

The Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation will leverage the University’s expertise in biomedical science and engineering and combine it with our research strength in the field of medicine.  

It will operate in close collaboration with the University’s Institute for Clinical Trials, which was launched in 2023, as well as CÚRAM, the Research Ireland-Taighde Éireann funded centre for medical devices, and BioInnovate, the fellowship programme under the Enterprise Ireland Innovators’ Initiative. 

Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch the new Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at University of Galway. This groundbreaking initiative brings together over 200 researchers and academics to drive forward our understanding of disease and develop innovative healthcare solutions. 

“The Institute’s strategic collaboration of expertise will not only advance research-led development at the University, but also strengthen our position as a global hub for medtech innovation.” 

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “Excellence in research has been the bedrock of teaching and learning at University of Galway since its foundation in the 1840s. The establishment of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, alongside the recently established Institute for Clinical Trials marks a new level of ambition in our strategic approach to research. 

“We welcome Minister O’Donovan to officially mark the beginning of this new journey as we create the environment to enable the translation of fundamental scientific research into potentially life-changing treatments and interventions that directly benefit society - fulfilling our mission to be here for public good.” 

The Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation is led by Interim Director Professor Ted Vaughan. Its work will encompass the breadth of biomedical science and engineering research, including fundamental science and discovery, in areas such as cancer biology, cell and chromosome biology; biomedical engineering and medical technologies; regenerative medicine; neuroscience; diagnostics; and advanced therapeutics.  

The new university research capacity will enhance the harnessing of scientific breakthroughs for the benefit of clinical trials and healthcare, by accelerating the provision of potentially disruptive and cutting-edge therapies and medical solutions, and how they are applied in the treatment of disease. 

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