The Health Research Board (HRB) is investing €12 million in 29 new investigator-led research projects to address some of the most pressing challenges in health and social care.
The funding, awarded through the HRB’s Investigator-Led Projects (ILP) scheme, will support innovative and internationally competitive research across patient-oriented research (POR), population health research (PHR) and health services research (HSR).
The latest awards bring the total number of projects funded under the ILP scheme over the past five years to 91, and a combined investment of €36.4 million.
Of the 29 projects funded in this round, the application review panels recommended 18 POR projects, six PHR projects and five HSR projects.
The successful applications were selected by international expert panels following detailed assessment of scientific quality and innovation, impact, and research team and environment.
Alongside scientific peer review, a public review process helped ensure that the funding awards address issues of importance to patients and the wider population.
Projects will run for up to four years.
Dr Gráinne Gorman, Chief Executive of the HRB, said:
“The ILP scheme is a core element of the HRB funding portfolio. Through these awards, we are investing in innovative and internationally competitive research that will generate new knowledge to address major health and social care challenges today and into the future.
“These projects embedded Public and Patient Involvement from the outset, helping to build public trust, enhance the relevance and feasibility of the research and ensuring researchers address questions that matter most to patients, families and communities.
“These projects also demonstrate the breadth and quality of health research taking place across the country, from advancing patient care and improving services to tackling emerging public health threats.”
Research topics span a wide spectrum of health priorities, including:
- immunology and inflammation
- cancer biology
- neurology and genetic disorders
- cardiometabolic and vascular health
- clinical trial design
- prescribing and infection management
- mental health services
- HIV care equity
- Safeguarding
- workforce practices
- drug use and adolescent health.
See the full list of approved projects here.
Collectively, the funded projects highlight the critical role of investigator-led research in generating discoveries, improving healthcare delivery and helping Ireland respond to both current and emerging health challenges.
