The Irish Research Council (IRC) has announced the four early-career researchers who have been awarded ‘Medals of Excellence’ for this year. These Medals recognise excellence in the 2023 Government of Ireland postgraduate and postdoctoral funding calls run by the IRC across the arts, humanities and social sciences, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Dr Patrick Anthony, UCD School of History, was awarded the Maurice J. Bric Medal of Excellence for being the top-ranked postdoctoral researcher in the arts, humanities and social sciences category.

Dr Anthony’s work focuses on the relationship between climate science and colonial violence, offering a comprehensive study of knowledge production through conquest and land expropriation.

Discussing the importance of his research, Dr Anthony said: “I study the history of colonialism and climate change because they aren’t just history — these are on-going processes. I am inspired by courageous young activists who say there can be no climate justice if there is no end to colonisation and occupation. And by explaining their interrelation through the medium of history, I want to play a small part in making a more empathetic world.”

Dr Carlos Matellan, a postdoctoral researcher in UCD Conway Institute, supervised jointly by Drs Mario Manresa and Stephen Thorpe, UCD School of Medicine and  UCD Conway Institute, was awarded the Thomas Mitchell Medal of Excellence for being the top-ranked postdoctoral researcher in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics category.

Dr Matellan’s research addresses the rising mortality from chronic liver diseases in Europe, aiming to leverage mechano-modulatory drugs to re-programme immune cells called macrophages towards a restorative function.

When asked about his work in this area, Dr Matellan said: “Chronic damage to our organs can lead to persistent inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, preventing repair and healing. We are now beginning to recognise the contribution of our immune system to this process, but we don’t yet fully understand what drives our immune cells into this harmful state. By studying the communication between our immune cells and other cells and tissues involved in these chronic diseases, we can unlock new therapies to restore them back to health.”

For more information on the IRC Medals of Excellence and all four awardees for 2023, visit the IRC website.