NIBRT Research Conference 2025
NIBRT hosted its annual research conference on the 15th and 16th of April, bringing together key stakeholders from academia, industry, healthcare, regulatory agencies, and policymaking across Ireland and Europe.
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.
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship
Are you interested in becoming a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow and working on your own research project focused on the challenges associated with the manufacture of biotherapeutics? Then an application to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship within the Horizon Europe programme in collaboration with a NIBRT Principal Investigator could be for you.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
HR Strategy for Researchers
The award of the HRS4R identifies the research institutions and organisations supporting a favorable and boosted work environment.
The European Commission recognises 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.
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.
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.
