Research at NIBRT

Our research programmes cover all aspects of the biopharma manufacturing process

NIBRT Research

NIBRT is a world leading research institute that undertakes research to grow the fundamental understanding of complex biopharmaceuticals, while delivering impactful solutions that advance the processes for the manufacture of biologic medicines. Inspired by the manufacturing challenges facing the industry, NIBRT Research makes transformative discoveries across multidisciplinary areas such as analytical science, cell and genetic engineering, informatics, and bioprocess engineering. These discoveries are utilized to advance the state-of-the-art in their fields and revolutionize the manufacturing of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and cell and gene therapies.

Research Vision, Mission & Strategy

Mission Statement

To conduct leading edge research, in collaboration with industry and academic partners, that focuses on advancing biopharmaceutical manufacturing, increases the pool of highly trained doctoral and postdoctoral level scientists, and supports the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland and the world.

The NIBRT Research Team

Our research team cover all aspects of the biopharma manufacturing process

Niall Barron

Principal Investigator - Cell Engineering Group

Niall Barron was appointed NIBRT Principal Investigator and Professor of Biochemical Engineering in the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering in UCD in…

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Michael Butler

Principal Investigator - Cell Technology Group

Michael Butler is Principal Investigator the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT), Adjunct Full Professor at University College Dublin…

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Jonathan Bones

Prinicipal Investigator - Characterization and Comparability Group

Dr. Bones obtained his BSc in Analytical Science (Chemistry) and PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Dublin City University (DCU) under the guidance of Prof…

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Colin Clarke

Principal Investigator - Systems Biology and Data Analytics Group

Dr. Clarke graduated with a PhD in Bioinformatics from Cranfield University, UK, and specialises in the application of multivariate statistics and machine learning…

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Radka Fahey

Principal Investigator - GlycoScience Group

Radka Fahey (Saldova) is an independent investigator with more than 16 years of experience in glycobiology; glycobiomarker discovery, glycosylation epigenetics, the role of…

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Steven Ferguson

Principal Investigator - Process Engineering, Separations and Advanced Manufacturing Group

Steven Ferguson is a Principal Investigator in the National Institute for Bioprocess Research and Training focused on the development of downstream processing…

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Sakis Mantalaris

Principal Investigator - Bioprocess Systems Engineering Group

Professor Athanasios (Sakis) Mantalaris is a Principal Investigator at NIBRT. Sakis is a joint appointee with Trinity College Dublin (TCD), where he holds the Don Panoz Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology at the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

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Mark Smales

Principal Investigator - Advanced Biotherapies and Cell Factories Group

Mark Smales is a Principal Investigator at NIBRT under a joint appointment partnership with the University of Kent.

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Elizabeth Topp

Principal Investigator - Formulation and Stability Group

Dr. Topp holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering (BChE) from the University of Delaware, a master’s degree in engineering (ME) from the University of…

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Cell and Gene Therapy and
Vaccine Manufacturing Forum

The Cell and Gene Therapy and Vaccine Manufacturing Forum (CGTV Forum) was established in late 2018 in order to address the opportunity for Ireland to capitalise on the burgeoning therapeutic and commercial interest in cell and gene therapies (and more recently novel vaccines) – and in particular to replicate the success seen in attracting FDI in the recombinant protein manufacturing space over the last 2 decades. There are now over 100 members representing a variety of different stakeholders.

HRS4R

The award of the HRS4R identifies the research institutions and organizations supporting a favorable and boosted work environment.

The European Commission recognizes with the 'HR Excellence in Research Award' the institutions which make progress in aligning their human resources policies to the 40 principles of the Charter & Code, based on a customized action plan/HR strategy.

Research Integrity NIBRT

NIBRT is committed to promoting the performance of research to the highest standards of professionalism and rigour by its staff and students, and to the accuracy and integrity of the research record in publications and elsewhere. NIBRT aims to promote integrity in research through good example, training and open discussion of issues of research integrity.

Gender Equality Plan

NIBRT outlines below how it endeavours to meet both the mandatory requirements and thematic recommendations of a Gender Equality Plan.

Contact Research Office

For research enquires please contact Jennifer Byrne the Research Programme Manager jennifer.byrne@nibrt.ie or submit an enquiry through the form below.