Impact Stories
Eli Lilly and Company Supports Pioneering Biodiversity Conservation Research
Eli Lilly and Company is collaborating with UCC experts on innovative research on the effects of translocation and climate change on indigenous grassland species. The project focuses on the conservation of rare native species of meadow barley (Hordeum secalinum).
The new Lilly Limerick biopharmaceutical manufacturing campus has translocated the meadow barely population from one part of the site to another under license from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).Biodiversity research at UCC is predominantly conducted by staff and students from the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES) and the Environmental Research institute. The project team will be led by Professor Astrid Wingler and Dr Markus Eichhorn from the School of BEES, who are also principal investigators in the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) and the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water. This collaborative project includes research undertaken by UCC PhD student - Johan David Reyes Chavez, and Master of Research student - Ijlal Haidar to study work being done to conserve this valuable part of Irish biodiversity.
Translocating grassland sods helps conserve species like meadow barley and supports biodiversity, making grasslands more resilient to climate related stress. These biodiverse grasslands also aid in carbon sequestration, flood protection, and support pollinators.
This project will study how translocation and climate change impact the ecology of meadow barley and other grassland plants. By understanding these impacts, strategies can be developed to conserve meadow barley and maintain biodiversity in grasslands.
“We are thrilled to work with University College Cork on this important project. The translocation of meadow barley at our Limerick site underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity. This collaboration is not only aligned with our 2030 environmental goals but also strengthens our ties with the academic community, fostering innovation and sustainability. By working together, we can leverage cutting-edge research and local expertise to create a more resilient ecosystem and contribute to the preservation of native species” said Dave Riordan, Vice President and Lilly Limerick Site Head.
“Impactful sustainability research tackling emerging global challenges is a key strategic priority for University College Cork. Research like this is transformative, furthering our understanding of climate change and biodiversity in the Irish context. This collaboration with Lilly is facilitated by Cork University Foundation, UCC, and the Foundation is grateful to Lilly for enabling building a talent pipeline and supporting strategic study” said Kerry Bryson, CEO of Cork University Foundation.
"I would like to thank Lilly Limerick for their support of our research and our students, Johan David Reyes Chavez and Ijlal Haidar. The conservation of meadow barley and the preservation of biodiversity in grassland ecosystems is a critical issue, and we are looking forward to working with Lilly on this important project". Professor Sarah Culloty, Head, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC.
“This research supported by Lilly enables us to be part of an important conservation project: By investigating the effect of climate change on meadow barley and the wider grassland community, we intend to develop methods that secure grassland biodiversity into the future”. Professor Astrid Wingler, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UCC.
About Lilly
Lilly is a medicine company turning science into therapies to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 51 million people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are advancing new discoveries to address some of the world's most significant health challenges. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people.
About Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water
The €41.3 million Co-Centre Research centre deliver solutions to the most pressing challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity decline and water degradation across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain initially funded for six years by the Government of Ireland (Science Foundation Ireland and Shared Island Fund); the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs; and UK Research & Innovation.