2023
APC Microbiome Ireland celebrates 20 years
- World’s first microbiome research institute, APC Microbiome Ireland, celebrates 20 years.
- An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Mr Micheál Martin TD attends celebratory event in UCC.
One of UCC’s flagship research institutes, APC Microbiome Ireland (APC), celebrates two decades of pioneering insight into the human microbiome this year.
Founded in 2003 APC has grown to be Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre based in UCC and Teagasc. It was one of the very first microbiome research institutes worldwide and has developed into a world-renowned research and scientific leader in this field.
Over the course of its twenty-year history APC research has led to advancements in tackling some of the most pressing societal challenges of including antimicrobial resistance, the burden of chronic diseases, obesity and malnutrition, mental health, and healthy ageing.
An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Mr Micheál Martin TD attended an event in UCC today to mark this APC milestone. “I want to acknowledge the significant impact APC Microbiome Ireland has had over the past 20 years, as a world-renowned leader in microbiome research, and for its support of hundreds of skilled jobs in the Irish economy.”
“It has fuelled advances in tackling some of the greatest challenges facing society, including antimicrobial resistance, climate change and chronic diseases, as well as progressing the government’s strategic objectives in Impact2030, the national strategy for science, technology and innovation.”
To coincide with the event APC outlined its impact over the 20 years which showed that its economic impact is now calculated at €73.7m annually while the research centre supports more than 500 jobs in Ireland each year and returns €6.56 to the Irish Economy for every €1 invested.
Professor John O’Halloran, UCC President, said: “APC is one of our flagship research institutes at UCC. For two decades now APC has been pioneering insight into our collective understanding of the microbiome. APC now sits as a leader in a global field and that is testament to this community of research excellence that has been built here over the past 20 years.”
Professor Paul Ross, APC Microbiome Ireland Director, stated: “Over 20 years we are proud to have grown APC Microbiome Ireland into the largest microbiome research centre in the world. We are known for our scientific excellence and the caliber of our researchers both sets us apart and attracts global stars to work here with us in Ireland. Our Principal Investigators have received no less than 164 significant distinctions and awards, and we have 13 researchers featured on the 2023 Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researcher list.”
Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, Professor Philip Nolan, said: “APC is an international leader in microbiome research. In the last ten years, its reputation for scientific excellence has attracted staff and students from 59 countries around the world. APC collaborates with industry partners and scientific peers the world over to mobilise the microbiome science for the good of society. We are pleased to support APC through our SFI Research Centres programme, and to mark this important milestone.”
Chair of APC Governance Board and CEO of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Dr Pamela Byrne said: “The APC INSPIRE programme has created 20 research fellowships to focus on the microbiome and Sustainable Development Goals, tackling global societal challenges related to antimicrobial resistance, sustainable food systems, and the burden of chronic disease. The research talent in APC is impressive with six ERC grants secured in the last five years, €100 million competitive grants from Science Foundation Ireland won and an additional €202 million in research funding sourced from other sources. APC is a huge asset to Ireland’s knowledge economy.”