Research on gene therapy for fighting blindness and providing nutritional and social support to elderly both nominated for US-Ireland research innovation award

By Sarah Meehan on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

Professor Jane Farrar from Trinitys School of Genetics and Microbiology and Professor Sabina Brennan a research assistant from Trinitys Institute of Neuroscience, have been nominated for a US-Ireland research innovation award. Both professors are shortlisted in the Higher Education Institution category.

The awards are a joint initiative between the Royal Irish Academy and the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, and award ideas originating in Irish organisations that make a social and economic impact through research innovation in meeting market needs. The awards are presented in three categories: an Irish higher education institution or research institution with links to the US corporate sector in Ireland, an Irish start up with USlinks and the corporate award for innovation in the Irish operations of a US company.

Professor Farrar, from Trinitys School of Genetics and Microbiology, was nominated for developing gene therapies for treating inherited blindness. Professor Farrars development of GenableTechnologies, was acquired by Spark Therapeutics Inc, a global leader in gene therapy, based in the United States.

Speaking to Trinity News, Professor Farrar said: We were really delighted to be shortlisted in the HEI category for an Innovation Award this year. We are delighted that Spark Therapeutics, the global leader in gene therapy, in 2016 acquired Genable Technologies, a Trinity company established to expedite development of gene therapies for dominantly inherited ocular disorders.

Professor Brennans research focuses on understanding dementia risk and protective factors to establish how a decline in cognitive function might be prevented or delayed. ReLAte is a mealtime service that tries to tackle social isolation and malnutrition in older adults. The research was funded by Home Instead Senior Care Inc., a US care provider, to investigate the relationship- based nutritional intervention in older adults living at alone.

Professor Brennan told Trinity News that: It is a great honour to be shortlisted for the US-Ireland Research Innovation awards. The fact that two of projects from Trinity College Dublin have been nominated is a testament to Trinitys commitment to innovation and research for impact. The RelAte project was delivered by an amazing team of researchers at Trinity College and the research could not have happened without funding from US company Home Instead Senior Care Inc. or without the wonderful participants who gave so freelyof their time.

Dr Goron Elliott of Trinity Research and Innovation said: Trinity is focused on developing industry partnerships with our talented researchers and excellent infrastructure to create economic and societal benefits we are delighted to have two US-Ireland collaborations represented.

Read more:
Two Trinity professors nominated for a US-Ireland research innovation award - Trinity News

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