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; six of the awardees are based at the Bernal Institute.
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 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.
Dr Hala Jaber, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
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
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.
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.
For more information see here.