Health researchResearch into latest alcohol and sexual practices, Alzheimer's disease and hospital-acquired infections are among the projects to benefit from a €14.6 million fund awarded by the Health Research Board (HRB).
According to the HRB, a total of 75 awards have been made from more than 300 applications, a rise of 36 per cent on the number of projects funded in 2004. Other projects successful in securing the funding include research into cancer, diabetes and depression.
"The rising success rates this year reflect an increase in funding as well as the growing world-class capabilities of researchers in Ireland," said Prof Des Fitzgerald, HRB chairman.
The problem of hospital-acquired infection, or MRSA, is one that is causing great concern at present and a team from Dublin Institute of Technology will now be funded to carry out research on it. The project, headed by Dr Neil Rowan, will examine how "electro-technologies" can be used alongside, or instead of, traditional disinfection methods for medical devices and instruments.
The aim is to help reduce the incidence of hospital and healthcare associated infections in Ireland and, as a result, lower death rates, shorten hospital stays and reduce the financial burden associated with managing infections.
Another issue that is causing medical concern is the fact that Irish adults are among the highest consumers of alcohol in Europe, with the highest levels of consumption found among those aged 18-30 years.
The HRB will fund the first Irish study to provide a detailed examination of the effects of alcohol on sexual practices in young Irish adults.
Prof Hannah McGee from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, who is leading the study, believes the findings will help to target and improve educational approaches.
With the smoking ban in place for more than a year, Dr Brigit Greiner and her team from University College Cork will investigate the medium-term effectiveness of tobacco control. They will look at the effect of the smoking ban on bar workers, respiratory health and smoking behaviour, and determine changes in smoking behaviour and risk perception of smoking in the general population and among GPs, both before and after the ban.
Dr Ruth Barrington, chief executive of the HRB, warned that the fruits of this investment may not be enjoyed for years.
"The social and economic benefits of effective research can take time, but a growing evidence base shows that it reaps great rewards; improved healthcare, more effective treatment, preventative approaches to health issues and greater efficiency through new technologies," she said.
"The quality of the research proposals received was outstanding. Those funded stood up to rigorous peer review and I am confident that they will impact on the health service in the future," she said.