€34.5m Boost Backs Quest To Study Memory Loss And Build 3-D Biodegradable Spinal Supports

Friday, 14 November 2025 15:39

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Other funded work includes discovering new yeast species in Irish ecosystems, and studying how early-life memories are lost and how this process differs in autism and between sexes, to potentially "reverse" memory loss.

New battery technology, biodegradable 3-D spinal stents for people with osteoporosis and improved prediction tools for newborn health are among 39 research projects being backed under a €34.5 million funding package.

Announcing the awards, Higher Education Minister and Kildare North Fianna Fail TD James Lawless said the programme supports “bold ideas” with potential for major breakthroughs.

The investment is delivered through Research Ireland’s Frontiers for the Future Programme, co-funded by Children’s Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research and SEAI, who contributed €2.8 million.

In total, the scheme will support 66 PhD students, 47 postdoctoral researchers and 13 other roles across 12 research institutions.

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