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14th March 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14th March 2006
U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership Tackles Key Research Priority Areas
The second meeting of the U.S.-Ireland Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Steering Group, held in Washington, D.C., today, chaired by HHS Deputy Secretary Alex M. Azar II, reviewed progress to date and agreed on a course of action to drive the Partnership and collaborative research forward. The key areas of diabetes, emerging respiratory infections, cystic fibrosis, nano- and sensor technology will form the focus of the Partnership's immediate work program. Welcoming all participants to Washington, D.C., Deputy Secretary Azar reconfirmed his commitment to the Partnership, stating that, "we must play to our intrinsic strengths if we are to make productive strides and achieve results in these key scientific areas."
The Diabetes and Emerging Respiratory Infections priority areas reported out on their recent workshops and the identification of focused areas of potential research. In the Diabetes area, three focused themes were identified (molecular and cellular mechanisms of complications; diabetic nephropathy genetics; and, islet isolation and beta cell survival.) The emerging respiratory infections group identified five research themes that present opportunities (mechanisms of cross-species transmission and host adaptation; basic immunology of respiratory viral infections; vaccine and adjuvant design and optimization; antiviral target identification and therapeutics design and optimization; and, diagnostics design, optimization and development.) The Steering Group welcomed the endeavors of the key researchers in the work to date and noted the ongoing potential for collaboration.
The Steering Group agreed the areas of cystic fibrosis, nano- and sensor technology will report out at the next meeting scheduled for November 2006. Furthermore, the Steering Group agreed on a Course of Action and a research administration plan applicable to all jurisdictions. This plan will include expressions of interest and letters of intent; a call for planning and challenge grants. "Developing a Course of Action is a pragmatic approach which builds collaboration and is driven by the scientific/research community. The Partnership displays the clear benefits to Ireland of an all-Island approach to key economic and social issues," stated Dr. Killian Halpin, Ireland co-chair. Proposals that are at an advanced stage of preparedness should be submitted for assessment without delay.
In accepting to host the next Steering Group meeting in the fall of 2006, Prof. Fabian Monds, the Northern Ireland co-chair, stated, "The Partnership is a unique model which affords great opportunities from a research and industrial perspective leading to improvements in the health and welfare of all of our citizens. I look forward to substantial progress in development of scientific proposals and building a durable Partnership and tripartite research teams."
Notes to the Editor
On January 18, 2005, former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson, Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Ireland, Barry Gardiner, the then Minister with responsibility for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and Employment and Learning, and Angela Smith, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Northern Ireland, announced the establishment of the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership.
The purpose of the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership is to encourage and support research between the best and brightest to generate innovations to the marketplace and to lead to improvements in health promotion, disease prevention, health care and other technologies.
Membership:
Republic of Ireland
Dr. Killian Halpin, Retired Director, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Forfas
Dr. William Harris, Director-General, Science Foundation Ireland
Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, President, Dublin City University
Northern Ireland
Professor Fabian Monds, Retired Chairman of the Board, Invest Northern Ireland
Professor Peter Gregson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Queen's University Belfast
Dr. Hugh Cormican, Managing Director, Andor Technology
United States
The Honorable Alex M. Azar II, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The Honorable Elias Zerhouni, Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH)/HHS
Dr. Richard Buckius, Acting Assistant Director, Directorate for Engineering, National Science Foundation (NSF)
The Secretariat to the Partnership on the island is provided by InterTradeIreland, the All-Island trade and business development body.
ENDS