ATU plays key role in the Translational Medicine Alliance Ireland

The Minister stated, "TMAI is a new initiative bringing together expertise from 10 Irish Universities. With Horizon funding and support from the Department of Higher Education this new Alliance has a bright future."

The Translational Medicine Alliance Ireland (TMAI) is a collaboration among ten Irish universities, including Atlantic Technological University. This alliance is dedicated to overcoming the challenges associated with translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible healthcare applications and medical interventions.

Organised as a decentralised collaborative alliance, TMAI leverages the strengths of its member universities, each having established specialised centres in the field of translational medicine.  

The objective of the alliance is to fortify the partnership between scientists and clinicians, fostering research that translates from laboratory discoveries to patient care, encompassing the development of novel diagnostics, therapies, and medical interventions.

The alliance functions as a catalyst for transforming scientific discoveries into practical applications that directly benefit patients and society. By pooling the resources, knowledge, and skills of the member universities, researchers and clinicians can efficiently generate innovative ideas and develop therapies or diagnostics. TMAI provides a platform offering access to resources, expertise, and collaborative opportunities, significantly enhancing the impact and success of translational research efforts.

TMAI facilitates collaborative research projects, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to biomedical challenges and accelerating discoveries and innovations. Moreover, the alliance amplifies the impact of research through collective efforts, elevating the visibility and reputation of the national biomedical research community on the global stage.

Dr Richéal Burns, Lecturer in Health Information Technology and ATU lead for the TMAI said; "All the University partners have been working over the last two years to develop the translational medicine alliance across the Island of Ireland and we are delighted the launch was so well attended, igniting a collaborative spirit and fostering opportunities for knowledge exchange.  Through our individual areas of expertise and resources, our alliance provides a strong platform for developing world class research in translational medicine that can provide effective solutions to current challenges at the national and the global levels."

At a regional level being a partner of the TMAI affords ATU access to collaborate with a wider network of leaders in transitional medicine across the Island of Ireland, providing additional resources, opportunities for growth and cross-pollination of ideas and furthering the universities ambitious research development strategy. ATU has research strengths across the wider spectrum of translational medicine research including biotechnology, nanomaterials, biopharmaceutical science, neuroscience, medical technology, data analytics and economic evaluation.  

In a broader European context, TMAI aims to break down silos between scientific discovery and clinical application, with potential benefits reaching beyond national borders. The alliance is strategically positioned to foster enduring partnerships with the European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine (EATRIS), contributing to knowledge exchange and enriching international collaborations.  

EATRIS bring together resources and services for research communities to translate scientific discoveries into benefits for patients.  Through collaboration with institutions, researchers, and organisations across Europe and beyond, TMAI, with Atlantic Technological University as a key member, is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.

Alliance members:

Atlantic Technological University

Munster Technological University

University of Galway

Queen’s University Belfast

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Technological University Dublin

Trinity College Dublin

University College Cork

University College Dublin

University of Limerick

Photo caption:  (L-R) Dr. Liam Lewis (MTU);  Dr. Pilib Ó Broin (UG); Prof.