A €20m National Institute For Cellular Biotechnology (NCIB) was opened in Dublin City University (DCU) today.
The institute was funded with the support of a €34 million award under the Government's Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions, together with support from Atlantic Philanthropies, Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Health Research Board.
The centre, under the directorship of Professor Martin Clynes, will collaborate with a number of Dublin hospitals in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, diabetes, eye disease and microbial diseases.
Speaking at the opening today Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin said the work of the NCIB could "ultimately lead to better diagnosis and treatment of cancer, diabetes and microbial diseases".
Ms Hanafin said: "The involvement of NUI Maynooth and IT Tallaght as collaborative partners in this centre brings important strength to its work. Working together, these institutions can establish Ireland as an important location for cell biotechnology research.
"These state-of-the-art amenities will be a significant factor in attracting the best available international research talent to join you here in your exciting work," she added.