Dick Ahlstrom,
Science Editor
The State has agreed to support a major stem-cell research initiative in a new laboratory based at NUI Galway. The stem-cell issue sparked huge controversy late last year when the EU Commission sought member-state agreement on funding for research.
The Government will put €15 million into the new Regenerative Medicine Institute on the Galway campus via the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funding body.
The allocation is part of a much larger €69 million research spend announced yesterday by the Tánaiste, Ms Harney.
The issue of stem-cell research regularly sparks controversy given that some of it is based on the destruction of viable human embryos.
The work at Galway will use adult stem cells only, recovered from adult tissues. The lab would be in a strong position, however, to pursue embryonic stem-cell research if the green light is given by the Commission for Assisted Human Reproduction. The commission has been considering the issue for more than two years, and is due to deliver recommendations to Government in March.
A political row broke out in November in advance of an EU industry ministers' vote on guidelines for EU funding for embryonic stem-cell research. The Government backed EU funding in the context of strict guidelines, but was quickly accused of openly supporting destruction of embryos.
Government backbenchers criticised the decision to back guidelines in the December 3rd vote. However, ministers failed to agree, and EU funding for embryonic stem-cell research now goes ahead without agreed controls. The Tánaiste, who attended the council, described it afterwards as a "very unsatisfactory position".
Researchers study stem cells because of their ability to transform into many different cell types. Embryonic cells transform most readily, but adult stem cells have also shown signs of being able to change into different cells that scientists hope could be used as replacement tissues to cure diseases.
The university's president, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, said the award showed Galway had reached "the highest international standing in research".
SFI also announced a €10 million award for a new centre studying electronic devices, a co-operative venture involving Trinity College, University College Cork and University College Dublin. Ms Harney said the investments would "play a significant role in building Ireland's new knowledge-driven economy".
Linkages between academia and industry were part of SFI's effort "to create and sustain a lasting indigenous research base that produces ideas, products and jobs", said its director general, Dr William C. Harris.