FORMER FULBRIGHT scholar Dr John Nolan from the Waterford Institute of Technology can now add €1.5 million of European Research Council funding to his list of awards.

This is the first time that a researcher from an institute of technology has received ERC funding. It recognises Dr Nolan as one of the best up-and-coming researchers in Europe, and will create five new jobs at the institute.

Dr Nolan began his scientific career in 2002, when he completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the Waterford institute.

He went on to study for a PhD on a Fighting Blindness Ireland studentship at the institute, funded by Moya Doherty, a co-founder of Riverdance.

Two days after finishing his PhD in 2005, he was on an aircraft to the United States to continue his research. He had been awarded a Fulbright scholarship, becoming the first researcher from an institute of technology to get the prize.

The Fulbright work in the US was a “life-changing experience,” said Dr Nolan. “It was key to opening doors to progress, compete and collaborate with the best scientists in the world.”

Dr Nolan works on vision and nutrition, with a focus on age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the West. “My research affects real people in real time,” said Dr Nolan.

He returned to Waterford in 2006, and has remained there, now leading a research group and supervises students.

“I firmly believe you can do world-class research anywhere, as long as you have the right attitudes, people and ideas,” he said.

The five-year ERC grant recognises Dr Nolan’s achievements and the impact of his work on the eye and preventing disease. The money will ensure his world-class research continues to develop.

“To land a European grant of this nature is a massive achievement,” he said. “I know I will deliver on it in a scientific respect.”

He acknowledged the past and present directors and the team at the research support centre at Waterford, saying “a lot of people have been involved in supporting this progression.” Dr Nolan was one of more than 5,000 applicants hoping to get ERC funding, which is open to scientists based in any European Union member state or associated country. About 480 applicants were successful, with six grants going to researchers in Ireland.

The Fulbright Commission in Ireland is now accepting applications for 2012. Further details can be found on its website, fulbright.ie.