SFI names its ‘Researcher of the Year’

10 Nov 2009

A biochemistry chemist based at Trinity College Dublin was named last night Researcher of the Year by Science Foundation Ireland and the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Conor Lenihan TD.

The accolade was awarded during the SFI Science Summit, a two-day conference in Athlone attended by more than 300 of Ireland’s leading scientific researchers.

On top

Luke O’Neill is professor of biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin, and through his pioneering work in the areas of immunology and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, has emerged as a world leader in his field.

In presenting O’Neill with his award, Lenihan said: “Luke O’Neill has achieved exceptional scientific research outputs in immunology, and has made a profound contribution to Ireland’s research community in the process.”

Lenihan added: “In addition to his ground-breaking laboratory achievements, Prof O’Neill has also been a driving force in the commercialisation of research and an articulate and strong proponent of scientific research in the public domain.

“His all-round contribution to science in Ireland makes him a thoroughly deserving recipient of this prestigious honour.”

Other accolade

Lenihan also presented an award to Dr Kevin Sullivan, NUI Galway, as the winner of the SFI Research Image Competition with his images title Troubled Cell Division.

This new competition offered SFI-funded researchers the opportunity to submit digital images created during the course of their research.

By John Kennedy

Photo: Prof Frank Gannon, director general, SFI; Prof Luke O’Neill, Trinity College Dublin; and Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Conor Lenihan TD attend the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Science Summit, at a two-day conference in Athlone.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com