Minister Lenihan highlights importance of collaboration among Ireland’s scientific research community

Minister addresses joint meeting of Strategic Research clusters

Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation, has today (25^thJune 2009) highlighted the importance of high-level collaboration and exchange of ideas and practices among Ireland’s scientific research community.

Addressing a joint meeting of two Science Foundation Ireland-funded Strategic Research Cluster (SRC) teams (Irish Drug Delivery Research Network SRC, led by Professor David Brayden and UCD; and Solid State Pharmaceuticals Cluster SRC, led by Professor Kieran Hodnett and University of Limerick) with industry partners, Minister Lenihan said that pooling of resources was essential if Ireland was to excel in research.

In commending the SRCs’ willingness to proactively converge and explore situations and structures from a fresh standpoint, Minister Lenihan said “This gathering today of Strategic Research Clusters with industry is an indication of the ambition and desire that you and your peers in the scientific and commercial sectors have in reconfiguring and redefining how we approach scientific research in this country.”

“Convergence, forging partnerships and exchanging ideas and skills can yield impressive results and often be the genesis of surprising solutions and synergies.   Unearthing new methods of effective engagement with academic colleagues and commercial enterprises can often be as enlightening and as important as discovering new drugs or employing new means of administering these medicines. In short, the process can be just as crucial as the product.”

Minister Lenihan praised the two SRCs for their ongoing contribution to advancing pharmaceutical research and front-line delivery of services to patients.

“The pharmaceutical industry in Ireland is of vital importance to our economy and our long-term well-being. It directly impacts upon every living person in a number of ways at various stages throughout our lives. As such, a healthy, supported and well-structured pharma industry is a pre-requisite for a healthy, supported and well-structured society,” Minister Lenihan concluded.