The North-South Research Programme is a collaborative scheme is a collaborative scheme funded by the Government of Ireland through the shared island fund. The €40 million NSRP funds allocated in July 2021 are being delivered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS). The HEA has since provided €5.6m in additional funding with a further €10 million announced by the Department of the Taoiseach in December 2022 bringing the total funding for the programme to €55.6 million.
Description of the North-South Research Programme (NSRP)
The North-South Research Programme is a collaborative scheme being delivered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and the Shared Island Unit at the Department of the Taoiseach. Fifty million euro in research funding for the North-South Research Programme is being provided by the Shared Island Initiative.
Projects from across all disciplines are funded through the programme to focus on delivering an all-island approach to research and innovation. The approach is nuanced by the objectives of the Good Friday Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals, the National Development Plan 2040, and the strategic development of research and higher education. Each funded project is underpinned by the aims of the Shared Island Unit and the NSRP and will serve to strengthen links between higher education institutions, research communities, and researchers across the island of Ireland.
Call 1 – Following a very successful first call in 2021 which received 367 eligible applications, 62 projects were funded across 3 strands to the value of €37.28m (which includes HEA co-funding). Funding was awarded on the basis of excellence, and all eligible applications received were assessed through a rigorous and independent international peer-review process.
Programme Documentation
Call 1 Documentation
Awardees
AICEEHP
Professor Gaia NarcisoTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Professor John TurnerQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
We aim to establish an All-Ireland Centre of Excellence in Economics, History and Policy to lead the development of Ireland into a global Centre of Excellence in policy-relevant historical research.
AICRIstart
A Foundation Stone for the All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI): Building Critical Mass in Precision Cancer Medicine
Professor William GallagherUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Professor Mark LawlerQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
AICRIstart is the foundation stone for our broader vision which is to create the All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI). This virtual institute will bring together the best cancer researchers in Ireland and Northern Ireland towards a common aim – for patients to live longer and better lives after their diagnosis.
AIM4HEALTH
Professor Anne MolloyTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Professor Michaela BlackUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
Building on the TUDA Study, AIM4HEALTH will use state-of-the-art scientific approaches, including Artificial Intelligence techniques to analyse data, to investigate risk factors contributing to depression and anxiety, and the dietary and lifestyle changes that should be implemented to help to improve mental health in older people.
AIVRT
Assoc Prof Siobhán McCleanUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Professor Miguel ValvanoQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
The AIVRT consortium draws together expertise with a shared goal of developing effective vaccines to prevent bacterial infections. Further, we will train 11 PhD students and 4 post-doctoral researchers in all the necessary skills to provide the next generation of vaccine experts who will support the growing vaccine industry and public health implication of vaccination on the island.
Atlantic
The Atlantic Innovation Corridor: Social Capital and Co-Ordinating Capacity in a Multi-City, Distributed Conurbation Border Region
Professor James LiveseyUniversity of Galway
University of Galway
Professor Malachy O'NeillUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
No body of sustained research has addressed how a complex distributed and multi-city region can foster sustainable innovation. In partnership with business, representative bodies, non-government organisations, and individuals we are going to address this gap.
BORDEX
Dr Matt BowdenTechnological University Dublin
Technological University Dublin
Dr Amanda KramerQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
BORDEX will produce new knowledge on the governance of (in)security, civil society resilience and the role of these institutions in maintaining peace and security; and will develop accessible outputs aimed at civil, policy and political actors to inform debate and develop the post-Brexit security field on the Island.
BRAN
"Our roots travel widely": Irish Poetry Beyond Regionalism and Nationalism
Dr Karl O'HanlonMaynooth University
Maynooth University
Dr Gail McConnellQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
BRAN aims to look at poetry from all over the island under a new lens beyond Regionalism and Nationalism. We wish to recover and explore forgotten voices: feminists, international exchanges, politics outside the nationalist/unionist framework, and the migrants and minorities who enriched Irish poetry north and south.
CARTLANN
Activism, language and media: using the archival records of Conradh na Gaeilge to track the uneven development of Irish language policy on both sides of the border
Dr Hugh RowlandUniversity of Galway
University of Galway
Dr Niall ComerUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
CARTLANN will use the archival records of Conradh na Gaeilge to track the uneven development of Irish language policy on both sides of the border.
CARTREGEN
Modelling and fabrication of microfibre reinforced composite constructs for repair and regeneration of articular cartilage
Professor Daniel KellyTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Dr Krishnagoud MandaQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
CARTREGEN is aiming to develop stronger structures to regenerate articular cartilage through computational and experimental approaches. This can save massive experimental costs and time and also accelerate the development of regenerative strategies for treating damaged joints and other soft tissues in the body.
CEAB
Professor Nuala FinneganUniversity College Cork
University College Cork
Professor Fidelma AsheUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
The aim of this study is to ensure that women are included in political discussions of changing relationships on the island of Ireland. This project uses innovative conflict mediation methods to facilitate women’s discussions on transitions in North-South relationships.
CLuB
Professor Lorraine O'DriscollTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Dr Paul MullanQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
This All-Ireland Cancer Liquid Biopsies Consortium (CLuB) emerging hub of excellence will bring cohesive leadership, insights, novel approaches, excellence in research, training, and teaching collectively and on the individual components of Liquid Biopsies, feeding back into teaching North and South.
CO-DECIDE
Co-production of a decision-making framework for planning the place of end-of-life care for children, young people and their families on the island of Ireland
Professor Veronica LambertDublin City University
Dublin City University
Dr Patricia McNeillyQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
CO-DECIDE aims to produce a decision-making framework to assist parents and healthcare providers to plan the place of end-of-life care for children with life-limiting, life-threatening and terminal conditions.
COSHARE
Dr Padraig MacNeelaUniversity of Galway
University of Galway
Dr Susan LagdonUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
The overall aim of this project is to produce an all-island strategy to surveying staff about their experiences and perspectives on consent and C-SVH in HE across the North and South of Ireland as well as facilitating knowledge exchange between academics and professionals.
COVICAT
Covid19 infection and vaccination in pregnancy: An Irish cohort study and European ecological study to assess risks of congenital anomalies.
Dr Ali KhashanUniversity College Cork
University College Cork
Dr Maria LoaneUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
Scientific uncertainty has contributed to hesitancy to take the vaccine on the part of pregnant women, despite their high-risk status. COVICAT will address the huge gap in scientific evidence regarding COVID-19 infection and vaccine uptake in pregnancy, and the effects of infection and vaccine on the developing foetus, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy.
CREDA
Coupling CRISPR-Cas environmental DNA assays with lateral flow for rapid on-site detection of species of conservation management concern on the island of Ireland.
Professor Anne Parle-McDermottDublin City University
Dublin City University
Professor Paulo A. ProdohlQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
CREDA is seeking to support the conservation management of our threatened fish species and enhance the education and cultural understanding North and South. This proposal aims to develop DNA based methods to detect specific fish species that can give results at the water source using a paper strip, similar to a pregnancy test.
DCT&GAW
Developing Combined Text & Graphic Alcohol Warnings: a North-South Initiative
Dr Frank HoughtonTechnological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
Dr Anne CampbellQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
As there are currently no laws in operation which require warning labels on alcohol products, this project aims to develop combined text and graphic alcohol warnings to make sure people understand the risks of alcohol.
DEFLATE
The Dramatic Effects of FKBPL on Adiposity via Gene Therapy
Dr Stephanie AnnettRCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professor Helen McCarthyQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
DEFLATE aims to design and develop a new medicine to promote weight loss and reduce the complications associated with obesity.
DelHPIre
Delirium Health Professionals Ireland: Improving prevention, recognition and management of delirium across the island of Ireland through the co-design of an interdisciplinary digital resource for undergraduate healthcare students
Professor Alice CoffeyUniversity of Limerick
University of Limerick
Dr Gary MitchellQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
Delirium Health Professionals Ireland will create a digital learning resource for students of all health professions which will teach them about recognition, prevention and treatment for delirium in different care settings.
DTCyber
Dr Brian LeeTechnological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
Dr Kieran McLaughlinQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
The use of Digital Twins (DT) for cyber-physical systems (CPS) cyber security is an emerging field and there are not many guidelines for CPS operators as to how to do so or what should be modelled. We will focus on providing an effective procedure to identify cyber and physical system components, data flows, and physical interactions to identify the appropriate boundaries of DTs that can support cyber-security monitoring of CPS subsystems.
eHealthHub
Professor Aedin CulhaneUniversity of Limerick
University of Limerick
Professor Mark Lawler PhD, FRCPathQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
By harmonising cancer data on the island of Ireland to a health global standard, we can build federated cancer eHealth research to national, EU and global data.
ÉIREhemp
Dr Susanne SchillingUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Professor Brian GreenQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
In this new project, ÉIREhemp will screen a library of hemp lines to determine which are optimal for farmers to maximise their return on investment.
ENSPIRED
Dr Helen KellyUniversity College Cork
University College Cork
Dr Lynda KennedyUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
People with communication disability are at risk of being excluded from society, affecting relationships, and having less opportunities to work, socialise, and participate in everyday activities. Our project aims to tackle that.
EpiHyper
Effects of MTHFR 677 genotype and co-factor riboflavin on phenotypic behaviour and epigenetic profile in isogenic patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines during differentiation to vascular smooth muscle cells
Professor Mary MurphyUniversity of Galway
University of Galway
Dr Diane Lees-MurdockUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
EpiHyper is seeking to identify new targets based on individual genetic make-up that can respond more effectively to blood pressure treatments.
ExoBcell
Role of mesenchymal stromal cell extracellular vesicles in limiting B cell hyperactivation and autoimmune disease
Dr Meadhbh BrennanUniversity of Galway
University of Galway
Dr Dessi MalinovaQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
Our research will provide essential knowledge of B cell immune responses and the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells extracellular vesicles for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
FCCC-EoLEd
Family-Centred Cancer Care End of Life Education
Dr Carla O'NeillUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Cherith SempleUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
The aim of FCCC-EoLEd is to ensure all families in Ireland who have a mum or dad at end of life (EoL) will have the necessary psycho-oncology care through upskilling health and social care professionals to deliver much needed family-centred care, which is currently lacking.
FINIFOR
A Forested Island: The design and evaluation of an innovative financial instrument to scale investment in an all-Ireland native afforestation programme to enhance ecosystem services and carbon neutrality of the island’s agri-food and land use sectors.
Dr John GarveyUniversity of Limerick
University of Limerick
Professor George HutchinsonQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
FINIFOR aims to develop a new and novel financing mechanism that ensures rural communities and major Irish food companies can continue to thrive and also contribute to significant climate mitigation efforts.
FoodFraud
A study on the perceived exposure of the food and drink industry to food fraud in Northern Ireland versus the Republic of Ireland. Does BREXIT have any impact?: industry, regulatory and consumer perspectives.
Dr Fiona LalorUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Sinead FureyUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
FoodFraud aims to identify food categories that are particularly vulnerable to food fraud and to map where in the food chain these vulnerabilities are most likely to occur.
HIGH-GREEN
Highly efficient and sensitive photonic sensors for monitoring greenhouse gases
Dr Fatima GunningUniversity College Cork
University College Cork
Dr Hamza ShakeelQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
HIGH-GREEN aims to develop a miniaturised highly sensitive, accurate sensor for long-term use and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, within the context of all-Ireland emissions monitoring.
I-SWAP
Irish Student Wellbeing and ADHD Project
Dr Louise McBrideAtlantic Technological University Donegal
Atlantic Technological University Donegal
Dr Elaine MurrayUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
Our researchers have planned a comprehensive approach to improving our understanding of the needs of neurodivergent students as well as providing practical help.
IRBORDCUL
Professor Eve PattenTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Dr Garrett CarrQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
IRBORDCUL will research and archive a wide range of literary and visual arts material on the border and present this in a sustainable and innovative open access digital archive as well as examining the history and impact of cultural policy over the period of the border’s existence.
IYCF-E-Ire
Dr Elizabeth O'SullivanTechnological University Dublin
Technological University Dublin
Dr Clare PattonQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
The proposed research will thoroughly investigate what would be needed for an infant and young child feeding in emergencies plan that would be appropriate in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Mechano-MS
Mechanical induction and long term stability of regulatory T cells in Multiple Sclerosis
Dr Eoin McEvoyUniversity of Galway
University of Galway
Prof Denise FitzgeraldQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
New fundamental insight into the dependence of Treg induction on physical forces will provide a ground-breaking advance in current understanding of tissue regeneration in Multiple Sclerosis. Our investigation will provide a foundation for developing new biomaterials and treatments for MS immunotherapy.
MES-AIE
Migrant and Employer Strategies post Brexit in an all-island economy
Professor Elaine MoriartyTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Dr Emma CalvertQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
MES-AIE wants to provide a detailed analysis of the experiences, intentions and strategies of EU nationals and employers in Ireland and Northern Ireland, who have been impacted by the UK’s change in immigration policy precipitated by Brexit.
MISTE
Professor Anne O'ConnorUniversity of Galway
University of Galway
Dr Piotr BlumczynskiQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
MISTE will measure multilingual practices to investigate the role of translation in bringing together migrants/refugees and local communities; and to explore the creative potential of translation to raise awareness of cultural diversity in Ireland. The project compares approaches to language and migrant/refugee integration in different sites with a view to informing policy and best practice.
NeuVac
NeuVac mRNA based vaccine for children with neuroblastoma
Dr Olga PiskarevaRCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professor Helen McCarthyQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
Our main objective is to develop the first mRNA vaccine against high-rick neuroblastoma – an aggressive childhood cancer of undeveloped nerves.
OSBMH
Our Shared Built Military Heritage: The online mapping, inventorying and recording of the Army Barracks of Ireland, 1690-1921
Associate Professor Charles Ivar McGrathUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Suzanne ForbesThe Open University
The Open University
OSBMH looks to uncover the story of the 400 army barracks across the island and to facilitate the general public in visiting these sites with a new understanding and appreciation for that history, and the place of these buildings and complexes within Ireland’s built heritage and culture.
OXI-SMART
Professor Elfed LewisUniversity of Limerick
University of Limerick
Professor Kevin Michael PriseQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
OXI-SMART will provide a unique and highly novel solution to the problem of monitoring and verifying tumour hypoxia levels.
PEPDELIVER
RALA nanocomplexes as a platform to mediate oral delivery of peptides using insulin as a prototype.
Professor David BraydenUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Professor Helen McCarthyQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
PEPDELIVER will make a formulation of insulin to be given by the most convenient route, the oral route so that patients with diabetes will adhere better to dosing and will opt for insulin early in their disease to get better outcomes.
PROFESS 12
PROFessional skills for Engineering students
Professor Brian BoweTechnological University Dublin
Technological University Dublin
Professor Margaret MorganUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
PROFESS 12 will translate global research on engineering skills requirements to a local level: asking engineering employers, academics and students on the Island for their views on skills requirements. Using those skills, we will then design, trial and evaluate a five-day Summer School with 20 students from North and South.
PROMARIC
The role of proteases in microbiome diversity and antibiotic resistance in COPD; a new risk factor with a potential novel therapy
Professor Noel G. McElvaneyRCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professor Michael TunneyQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
In this study, PROMARIC is working to determine the protease levels in the lungs and how this influences the types of bacteria in the lungs and their responsiveness to antibiotics.
PROPER
PROfessionalism in Partnership for Education Research Study
Professor Denis HarkinRCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professor Neil KennedyQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
Our goal is to create a best-practice model for medical education across the island of Ireland and improve the patient care experience, with particular focus on cultural sensitivity.
RadCOL
Development and validation of a CT-based radiomics signature for early detection of colorectal cancer liver metastasis and post-treatment disease recurrence.
Professor Annette ByrneRCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Dr Karl ButterworthQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
RadCOL will use a technique called ‘radiomics analyses’ to extract additional information contained in CT images. This information will be used to reveal disease characteristics that cannot be seen by eye and could be used to predict which types of cancers are most likely to spread.
ReproCit
Reproductive Citizenship: Comparative analysis of effects of differential pathways to legalising abortion on Island of Ireland on Service User Articulations of Citizenship
Dr Catherine ConlonTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Dr Fiona BloomerUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
The study seeks to explore how the different processes to changing the law on abortion on both sides of the border impacted on how women feel about their role as being able to have children; being a citizen and how this relates to their sense of belonging in each country, we call this reproductive citizenship.
RID Injury
Understanding Risk and IDentification of musculoskeletal injury in adolescent team sports
Dr Sinead HoldenUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Chris BleakleyUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
RID Injury is working to understand risk and identification of musculoskeletal injury in adolescent team sports.
SE
Understanding the Social Entrepreneurship Ecosystem on the Island of Ireland – Lessons for Education, Practice and Policy.
Dr Isobel CunninghamAtlantic Technological University Donegal
Atlantic Technological University Donegal
Dr Laura BradleyUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
Our research on the Social Entrepreneurship Ecosystem can be used to inform policy; inform umbrella organisations of what support is needed to grow these sectors and help educators to make informed choices around skills and learnings to build upon the vibrant and expanding social enterprise sector across the island of Ireland.
SeeDeepER
StereoEEG depth electrode sourced RNA and epigenetic landscape of epileptiform activity in the human brain
Professor David HenshallRCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professor Vijay TiwariQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
By using a cutting-edge blend of basic and clinical brain research, using advanced technologies and unique biosamples, probing the human brain and using the discoveries to learn about mechanisms of disease. It will determine changes that might inform on outcomes, and feed into the design of treatments of the future.
SLSSHub
Stable Lives Safer Streets: A north-south hub of scientific excellence to serve intergovernmental and statutory frameworks in the policy area of Youth Crime
Dr Catherine NaughtonUniversity of Limerick
University of Limerick
Dr Colm WalshQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
Stable Lives Safer Streets: A north-south hub of scientific excellence to serve intergovernmental and statutory frameworks in the policy area of Youth Crime will enable policy makers, law enforcers and all involved in youth justice to contribute to the research process and will develop a sustainable cross-border approach for evidence building and its use in developing good policy and practice.
Snapshot
Target engagement assays - a radical approach to capture a snapshot of probe-enzyme binding
Professor Joanna McGouranTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Professor Timothy HarrisonQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
We have pioneered the chemistry to study enzyme activity, we will develop it further to activate our undercover probes in cells, directly where the drugs act. Our probes can accelerate development of new drugs as we can examine how those drugs and enzymes interact in a new and dynamic way.
SPECTATOR
Associate Professor Bidisha GhoshTrinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Dr Salissou MoutariQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
A systemic approach to the sustainable, integrated, optimised electrification and automation of transportation networks is missing. This project aims to fill this gap by complementing the endeavour on both sides of the island with an all-Ireland approach to inform responses to challenges and opportunities brought by CAVs (Connected and Autonomous Vehicles) and EVs (Electric Vehicles) technologies.
SUGARCOAT
Smart carbohydrate-based materials for medical device coatings: to protect from and detect hospital acquired bacterial infections
Dr Joseph ByrneUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Matthew WylieQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
SUGARCOAT aims to produce novel biofilm-inhibiting coatings for medical device surfaces based on novel carbohydrate-decorated materials, protecting patients from bacterial infections.
Talk4Peace
Dr Heidi RileyUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Maria Adriana DeianaQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
The Talk4Peace project explores the role of transformative mediation as a mechanism for peacebuilding in the island of Ireland. It seeks to assess its potential to promote an inclusive peace through the engagement of women and other minoritised groups as key actors, and to support dialogue and cultural understanding through a wide array of mediation techniques.
TJHIA
Professor Marie KeenanUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Professor Anne-Marie McAlindenQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
TJHIA aims to assess justice responses to Historic Institutional Abuse across the island of Ireland and how they compare to efforts across the world. Drawing on restorative and transitional justice and approaches in other countries, it will outline a new framework for justice.
TOGETHER
Dr Katharina SwirakUniversity College Cork
University College Cork
Professor Shadd MarunaQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
The TOGETHER collaboration wants to research together with incarcerated and university students, the learning from innovative approaches to university-prison education. Importantly, TOGETHER will also develop a uniquely all-island approach to prison-university education.
TRACER
TaRgeted gold (Au) nanocomposites as Cancer radiosensitisERs
Associate Prof Susan QuinnUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Jonathon CoulterQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
TRACER will develop prototypes of the next generation radiosensitising nanocomposites using a non-toxic support material (silica) loaded with 400-2000 gold nanoparticles.
Ultonia
Dr Caitríona Ó DochartaighUniversity College Cork
University College Cork
Dr Nioclás Mac CathmhaoilUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
Ultonia is conducting in-depth research on the cultural dynamics of medieval Ulster within the context of pre-Norman Ireland as a whole. The findings will lead to a range of educational resources for secondary schools both north and south.
VirtuGraze
The role of virtual fencing in sustainable grazing management
Dr Tomás RussellUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Gareth ArnottQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
VirtuGraze aims to determine if virtual fencing on farmland – a combination of GPS technology and sensory cues to contain grazing livestock – has an impact on animal behaviour.
Vit-TB
Characterizing the role of vitamin D insufficiency on host immunity and recurrence of bovine tuberculosis on problem farms
Dr Kieran MeadeUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Professor Ilias KyriazakisQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
Vit-TB aims to explore the extent of vitamin D insufficiency across the island of Ireland, and to functionally characterize the role of vitamin D on the immune response to bTB (bovine tuberculosis) infection. Building a new hub, focused on bovine immunology between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland will foster increased collaboration and bring a wealth of collaborative expertise to addressing knowledge gaps and developing improved controls for multiple livestock diseases.
VitDOC
The Vitamin D Receptor in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma
Dr John MackrillUniversity College Cork
University College Cork
Dr Richard TurkingtonQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
VitDOC is researching the role that Vitamin D and the VitD receptor plays in Oesophageal adenocarcinoma – a cancer of the oesophagus.
WoBLa
Women of the Borderlands: A Walking Biographical Study of Women’s Everyday Life on the UK/Irish Border
Dr Theresa O'KeefeUniversity College Cork
University College Cork
Dr Niall GilmartinUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
This research will explore women’s relationship with the border during the Troubles and since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The research will comprise of 25 in-depth ‘walking interviews’ where participants will take researchers on a journey across and around the border area using routes they would ordinarily take as part of everyday life.
WoundActiv
Bioactive scaffolds functionalised for the delivery of genetic cargoes for the healing of complex wounds
Professor Fergal O'BrienRCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professor Helen McCarthyQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
WoundActiv aims to develop a new approach to diabetic wound healing through the fabrication of a bi-layered collagen-based scaffold which replicates the complex structure of native skin.
YouGaMSI
Professor Aphra KerrMaynooth University
Maynooth University
Dr Paul KitchinUniversity of Ulster
University of Ulster
YouGaMSI will examine how gambling companies market their products through sport to young people on the island of Ireland and how these products manifest gambling harm in youth cohorts in both jurisdictions.
YouthDance
Youth Dance Matters: an interdisciplinary, mixed-methods project combining dance and social science research in a cross-border investigation of the shared value and capacity of youth dance on the island of Ireland.
Dr Victoria DurrerUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dr Aoife McGrathQueen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast
Youth Dance Matters is a pioneering survey and analysis of the conditions and value of youth dance across the island of Ireland that mixes dance and social science research methods.
Programme Managers
Michael Duffy
Senior Executive Officer