Two of IPIC’s early-career researchers have been awarded funding under Research Ireland’s Pathway Programme. The €23 million investment was announced by James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in support of emerging research across Ireland.
Making the announcement, Minister Lawless said: This investment, through Research Ireland’s Pathway programme, will support emerging researchers in their journey from postdoctoral work towards establishing themselves as independent investigators. The projects receiving funding span a broad range of disciplines, ensuring a broad impact on scientific discovery and societal progress. By aligning with Ireland’s national research priorities, these projects will help drive advancements in key sectors such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, history and education.
Dr Rekha Gautam has been awarded funding of €660,623.61 for project: Noninvasive Optical Assessment of Bone Quality (NOBEL). Rekha’s project aims to pioneer a technique that could significantly reduce fragility fractures and associated economic burdens from bone-related disorders. It opens avenues for personalised preventive strategies and early interventions, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
Dr Shree Krishnamoorthy has been awarded funding of €665,953.40 for project: NASCENT – Long-Wavelength NIR Optical Signals for Continuous Noninvasive Nascent Life Monitoring. Shree’s research focuses on protecting newborns during their most vulnerable stage, known as nascent life, which includes the period just before birth, during labour, and the first week after delivery. Using a breakthrough laser-based technique called STIR, the project aims to enable continuous, non-invasive monitoring of tissue pH to detect early signs of hypoxia-related distress. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve outcomes in neonatal care worldwide.
We extend our best wishes to Rekha, Shree, and their colleagues with these important bodies of work.
