Two University of Limerick research projects have received funding to address emerging health challenges.
Two UL projects were among those funded through the Health Research Board Investigator-Led Projects (ILP) 2022 scheme, which will support high-quality research in important areas including schizophrenia, antimicrobial resistance, and elderly care in hospitals.
This investment will be divided across 33 new projects which span three core areas: patient-oriented research, population health research, and health service research.
Dr Pauline O’Reilly, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, and Dr Katie Robinson, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, were the UL researchers to receive funding, which will see the HRB invest a total of €10m nationally in research addressing emerging health challenges.
Commenting on the scheme, Dr Mairead O’Driscoll, Chief Executive at the Health Research Board, said: “ILP is another HRB funding scheme that clearly demonstrates Ireland’s position as a world leader in cutting-edge research. The 33 projects awarded funding all have huge potential to improve people’s lives. Brain tumours, rheumatoid arthritis, psychosis, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, sepsis, home haemodialysis, and the risks of cannabis use in adolescence are just some of the challenges this funding scheme is tackling in the most innovative of ways.”
According to Dr Anne Cody, Head of Investigator-Led Grants, Research Careers and Enablers at the Health Research Board: “ILP demonstrates the HRB’s commitment to funding ground-breaking research that impacts on tomorrow’s health and social care. We are delighted to be supporting such a variety of talented investigators, with expertise ranging from immunology to community health. The awardees and their projects have come through a very competitive process and represent the best of health research In Ireland.”
The 33 successful investigator-led projects were selected by an international panel of experts following a rigorous application process. As a matter of course, a public review was undertaken alongside the scientific peer review to assess whether the research is in the best interests of the patient or the general health of the population.
Successful projects were selected based on their scientific quality and innovation, impact, and feasibility. Each project will be funded for a maximum of four years.
The UL projects are:
Project: The design and psychometric evaluation of a health-related quality-of-life outcome measure (QoLTEN) for adults with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN)
Lead Applicant: Dr Pauline O’Reilly
Project: Development of a Core Outcome Set for research studies with older adults in the Emergency Department
Lead Applicant: Dr Katie Robinson