€10m for Health Research at “Virtual” Centres

People suffering from diabetes or obesity and vulnerable patient groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women and drug users will benefit from new research at two ‘virtual’ Research Centres.

The centres, which are run by the Health Research Board, were given €10 million in funding from the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation (SSTI). They will provide a hub for the health research efforts of 11 universities, institutions and hospitals across a number of disciplines.

“These Health Research Board Centres are the first to be established in Ireland. They will meet a demand for a better understanding of how to tackle dietary problems and the needs of vulnerable patient groups,’ said Dr Mairead O Driscoll, Director of Research Funding and Strategy at the HRB.

The HRB Centre for Primary Care Research will have its virtual base in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. It will examine the quality of care provided to vulnerable patient groups.

The HRB Centre for Diet, Diabetes and Obesity will have its virtual base in University College Cork. Research will focus on prevention and management of obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders.

Posted Thursday 10th April 2008