Monday, 13 November 2017

UL's Bernal Professor of Crystal Engineering Mike Zaworotko has been named the Science Foundation Ireland Researcher of the Year today.  The winners of the prestigious 2017 Science Foundation Ireland awards were revealed at the annual SFI Science Summit today.

The SFI Researcher of the Year Award recognises the accomplishments of a Science Foundation Ireland funded researcher who has contributed significantly to the Irish research community in their career. The successful researcher has achieved exceptional scientific and engineering research outputs combined with a clear demonstration of the ability to communicate their research.

SFI Research Professor Mike Zaworotko is the Bernal Chair of Crystal Engineering in the University of Limerick. Focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of crystal engineering, Prof Zawortoko’s research has many potential applied uses in pharmaceuticals, clean tech and energy.

On receiving the SFI Researcher of the Year Award, Prof Zaworotko said; “The investments that have been made in science and technology funding in recent years mean that there is a rising tide of globally impactful science and engineering research in Ireland. There are many deserving researchers for this prestigious award, which means that I am delighted and honoured to receive the award. I look forward to making further contributions to the "rising tide" of Irish science.” He has recently been announced as the new co-director of the SFI Research Centre SSPC.”

Announcing the award winners, Dr Orlaigh Quinn, Secretary General, Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, said; “The SFI Science Awards recognise some of Ireland’s top researchers and a number of crucial areas in research and development including industry collaborations, entrepreneurship, communication and public engagement. I am delighted to acknowledge and congratulate the work of these research leaders on their ability to deliver new ideas and innovation, which in turn helps to create high-value jobs and drives economic growth and regional development.”

Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland, Professor Mark Ferguson, also congratulated the award winners saying; “The SFI Science Awards present an opportunity to highlight some of the very best outputs and achievements of our research community. I want to congratulate the award winners on their significant achievements, as well as their dedication and determination to realise their research ambitions. I am confident that their hard work and success will be a source of inspiration to their peers and the next generation of researchers in Ireland. Science Foundation Ireland is very proud of the excellent quality and impact delivered each year, enabled by our funding.”

The UL based SSPC also picked up the SFI Industry Partnership Award. The SFI Industry Partnership Award celebrates SFI collaboration between an academic research group and industry.

The SSPC & Advanced Biopharmaceutical Technologies - Spokes Project is led by the SSPC SFI Research Centre at the UNiversity of Limerick in partnership with seven leading Biopharmaceutical companies in Ireland and NIBRT. The partnership aims to develop innovative single-use disposable systems for bioprocessing.