There was record success for researchers at University of Limerick in the latest round of Irish Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowships with eight awards for candidates at the University.
The national programme is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and managed by the Irish Research Council (IRC).
It aims to support suitably qualified applicants to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at an eligible higher education institution in Ireland for either one or two years.
Professor Norelee Kennedy, Vice President Research at UL, welcomed the announcement.
“Our early career research community is growing from strength to strength. Investments in early career research across disciplines is an essential feature of our vibrant research system and we wish every success to the candidates in their future careers,” said Professor Kennedy.
Among those successful were:
Dr Fernanda Zamboni, School of Engineering and Bernal Institute: Working with Dr Maurice Collins at UL’ Bernal Institute, Dr Zamboni will study the metabolism of hyaluronic acid on the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) where it is possible to make a significant impact on the management of ARDS patients by proposing novel therapeutic targets leading to improved patient recovery and hospital discharge.
Dr Hala Jaber, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance: Dr Jaber will research the development and evaluation of trauma-informed training in using arts-based methods when working in the context of post-conflict migration. She will work with Prof Helen Phelan at Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. This research will further support the use of music as a tool of social inclusion in the context of post-conflict migration.
Dr Kwadwo Asare Owusu, Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute: Dr Owusu will work with Prof Kevin Ryan at the Bernal Institute on three-dimensional iron phosphide materials stabilized with conductive metals as flexible anodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). This work aims to improve the storage characteristics of SIBs, which have the potential to provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries that is lower cost and uses naturally abundant sodium resources.
Dr Sarah Markham, Department of Physics and Bernal Institute: Dr Markham will research and develop a disposable, biodegradable, endoscopic ultrasonic imaging probe. Working with Prof Syed Tofail at the Bernal Institute, this research will contribute to the development of single-use disposable medical devices aimed at reducing the risk of cross contamination and medical device acquired infections, the need for which has been further highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Congratulations also to the following researchers, who were offered IRC Postdoctoral Fellowships and were unable to accept these, having taken up new positions in UL and abroad:
- Dr Jennifer Cookman, Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute
- Dr William Cheuquepan, Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute
- Dr Mario Culebras Rubio, School of Engineering and Bernal Institute
- Dr Ann-Marie Foster, Department of History
For more see here.
