Posted: 28 June 2006
Oxford Glycan Sequencing Group moves to Dublin to
kick-start
NIBRT's ambitious research and training programmes
Oxford University, the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Dublin, and University College Dublin are delighted to announce that the Glycan Sequencing Group at the Glycobiology Institute, Oxford (directed by Professor Raymond Dwek, FRS) will transfer to Dublin in August 2006.
Dr. Pauline Rudd the first NIBRT Professor to start an
independent research group in the newly founded National Institute for
Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT)
This exciting development will allow the formation of the Dublin-Oxford Glycobiology Laboratory and enable the group to expand its academic research and technology base, forming part of a Glycobiology network for Ireland.
The group will be led by Dr. Pauline Rudd who will be the first NIBRT Professor to start an independent research group in the newly founded National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) which is directed by Dr. Kurt Naujoks. Dr. Rudd and Prof. Dwek will also have appointments at University College Dublin.
In the last 10 years the Oxford Group have published more than 125
papers and have filed 3 patents. Their pioneering work has provided
state-of-the-art technology for glycan analysis that is now used by
many laboratories worldwide. Most recently the team has developed a
high throughput technology platform that opens the way for large scale
screening of glycosylated therapeutics and disease biomarkers.
According to Prof. Dwek, 'This is a unique opportunity for Oxford to see its cutting edge technology applied in a new way that will help to place Ireland at the centre of the European Pharmaceutical Industry.'
Speaking of the groups transfer to Dublin, Prof. Desmond Fitzgerald, Vice-President for Research at UCD, says 'The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training is a ground-breaking partnership between UCD, DCU, Sligo IT and TCD, to be located on the Belfield campus. Research is a major part of its activity and the recruitment of Dr. Rudd and the continued support of the Oxford group under Prof. Dwek is a fantastic start to the programme. UCD is committed to the success of the Institute and we are delighted to welcome Pauline and the team.'
Initially the Dublin-Oxford Laboratory will be based within the UCD Conway Institute where, in addition to expanding their academic programme, they will open up a new area by developing a Glycobiology training program as a resource for academia and the Pharmaceutical Industry.
NIBRT's Director Dr. Kurt Naujoks adds that 'With Pauline we have found the 1st of seven Principal Investigators to start NIBRT's ambitious research programmes and to offer world class training for scientists in industry and academia.’
The group will continue to expand its strong international research collaborations, welcoming visitors and setting up training courses in Glycobiology.