Dublin-based scientists awarded European Research Council grants

Two Dublin-based scientists have received grants of €150,000 each from the European Research Council to help them bring their discoveries to market.

This is the second grant the council has given to Prof Fergal O'Brien of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the third for Prof Valeria Nicolosi of Trinity College Dublin.

Based in the bioengineering and regenerative medicine centre, Prof O’Brien is developing ways to repair damaged cartilage in joints. It involves growing fresh cartilage through tissue regeneration. He received €2 million from the council in 2009 and now the €150,000 will support a study to develop it.

Prof Nicolosi, based in the Amber Research Centre and the Crann Institute, uses a form of 3D printing to make electronic components and advanced batteries. The work involves the use of sheets of material just one atom thick.

She won a starting grant worth €1.5 million from the council in 2011 and then a proof-of-concept grant of €150,000 last year to work on another technology.

These grants would help the researchers to bring their innovations to market and boost competitiveness, said EU commissioner for research Carlos Moedas.