reaserch-v2 at NIBRT

Our research programmes cover all aspects of the biopharma manufacturing process

Research Areas

Formulation and Stability Group

The formulation and stability of biopharmaceutical products, especially those containing mRNA and proteins in the amorphous solid state. A fascinating but yet mysterious state of matter in which many protein drugs are stored and/or marketed.

Cell Technology Group

The development and application of analytical solutions for problems associated with the manufacture and characterization of biopharmaceutical, including recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and advanced therapies

GlycoScience Group

Novel, high throughput, robust technologies for the characterisation of protein glycosylation, implicated in all biological processes, and pathologies as well as in biopharmaceutical drugs’ efficacy and safety

Cell Engineering Group

Understanding and improving the cell systems used to create advanced therapies with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved.

The NIBRT Research Team

NIBRT Research is a world leader in developing innovative technologies that advance biopharmaceutical manufacturing and a resource for the global biopharmaceutical industry. 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, 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

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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Anne Moore

Principal Investigator

Prof. Moore’s research focus is to advance effective interventions to improve vaccine effectiveness, primarily by developing vaccine delivery technologies to address equitable access and acceptability needs and, secondarily, by understanding people’s acceptability of vaccines. Her research extends from basic immunology and vaccine formulation to clinical translation and vaccine acceptance and confidence.

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Elena Matsa

Principal Investigator - iPSC Cell Therapy Research and Bioprocess Development

Professor Matsa has recently joined UCC-NIBRT with the ambition to strengthen the iPSC Cell Therapy field in Ireland, and worldwide. Her research will focus on improvements in the purity, yield, and reproducibility of iPSC-based cell therapy manufacturing, in an overall plan that will bring together a cooperative research program between UCC, NIBRT, industry and academic partners as well as hospitals and patient groups.

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Alan Costello

Principal Investigator - Biological Engineering Group

Dr Costello’s project will explore RNA delivery vectors for transfer RNA therapeutics, aiming to develop new biomolecules to treat human genetic diseases that currently have no therapeutic options.

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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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NIBRT Research Conference - Biopharma Focus on the Future 2023

The 2023 conference brought together internationally recognised academic experts and distinguished speakers who shared their insights and explored the latest advances in biopharmaceutical manufacturing science and technology.

Watch the complete 2023 conference recordings by clicking below. Also available below are the E-Proceedings. The Biopharma Focus on the Future Research Conference 2023 talks’ synopses, poster’s abstracts and an overview of the insights offered by the encounter of worldwide renowned names in biopharma research.

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.

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.