€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.

More from Local News

Staff Say Unsafe Pressure At Naas Hospital Is Worsened By Uncovered Sick Leave And Vacant Positions

The warnings were raised in the Dáil by Kildare North Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who said staff working in the hospital are describing conditions that are no longer sustainable.
Inside The Celbridge Lab Where Evidence Helped Identify 32 Missing People Last Year

From drugs and gang activity to sexual assaults and suspicious deaths, much of the State’s forensic workload is now processed in Kildare.
Man Assaulted By Two Males In Newbridge After Refusing To Hand Over His Jacket

The incident happened at around 2.50pm on Monday afternoon, on Cutlery Road, close to the Whitewater Shopping Centre - a busy area with people coming and going.
Taoiseach Says Patients Shouldn’t Pay for Blister Packs - But Says State Can't Pay For Everything

It's emerged the HSE will not fund such packs in future.
Council Executive Asked Naas Cllrs To Refuse Free Xmas Parking To Encourage Use Of "Sustainable" Travel

In a report to councillors, the council’s Executive said suspending regulated parking would be counter-productive, warning it would reduce space turnover, encourage all-day commuter parking and undermine businesses rather than support them.
Gunman Steals Cash From Centra In Naas Before Being Tracked Down By Gardai

Based on a description provided by staff, Gardaí intercepted and arrested a man in the area a short time later, recovering both the stolen cash and a replica firearm.
Woman Arrested At Dublin Airport Detained In Kildare Garda Station Over Alleged Series Of Thefts

The arrest comes as part of Operation Tairge, which targets organised retails thefts.
Vulnerable People And Those With Disabilities In Kildare Left Waiting A Year For Basic Advocacy Support

The 2024 Annual Report describes the situation as a postcode lottery, with Kildare listed among the counties where waiting times are longest due to high demand and unchanged staffing levels.