University of Galway Secures €11.31 Million for Innovative Medical Research

The University of Galway has embarked on three groundbreaking research projects aimed at enhancing medical treatments. These initiatives received funding from the European Commission’s prestigious Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions-Doctoral Network programme, which is part of the Horizon Europe 2020 framework. The total investment for these projects amounts to approximately €11.31 million.

The Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions programme is designed to support researchers in becoming leaders in their fields while investing in projects that improve healthcare outcomes. This funding not only aims to advance medical technologies but also enhances the employability of researchers through innovative training and development.

Innovative Approaches to Medical Challenges

One of the key projects focuses on sustainability and aims to eliminate the need for animal testing in research related to brain diseases. Led by Dr Mihai Lomora, the €4.2 million CerebroMachinesTrain Doctoral Network project will utilize advanced 3D brain models to develop tiny machines that deliver medication precisely where needed. This method promises to expedite research processes while adhering to ethical standards.

Another significant initiative is the €2.71 million MEDALLOY project, directed by Dr William Ronan. This research aims to enhance the durability and safety of materials used in life-saving devices such as stents and heart valve supports. By improving the longevity of these materials, the project seeks to ensure better health outcomes for patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures.

Additionally, the €4.4 million EDICT research project, led by Dr Eimear Morrissey, aims to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in clinical trials. This project, a collaboration with the Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network, focuses on integrating underrepresented groups, including older adults, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities, into clinical studies. The goal is to create fairer and more effective trials across Europe by developing new tools and policies.

Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, remarked, “These projects show how research can make a real difference in people’s lives. University of Galway is proud to be leading the way in creating smarter, safer, and more sustainable healthcare solutions.”

Shaping Future Research Leaders

Professor Ted Vaughan, Interim Director of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at University of Galway, emphasized the broader vision of these initiatives. He stated, “By combining cutting-edge science with collaborative training, we are not only advancing medical technologies but also shaping the next generation of research leaders.” The investment from the European Commission highlights the importance of ethical innovation focused on enhancing patient outcomes.

In addition to the aforementioned projects, a fourth initiative, DECADOCS – Decadent Travellers and the Reception of Classical Antiquity, is being led by Dr Muireann O’Cinneide in collaboration with Goldsmiths, University of London. This project represents the first doctoral network dedicated to studying societal phenomena associated with decline and decay.

The University of Galway’s commitment to advancing medical research and enhancing healthcare solutions is evident through these initiatives. With the support of the European Commission, these projects not only aim to improve treatment methodologies but also ensure that future research is inclusive and equitable, setting a new standard in the field of healthcare.