Speech By the Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., at the Opening of the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute in DCU on Monday, 11 December, 2006 at 12.20 p.m.

Speech By the Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., at the Opening of the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute in DCU on Monday, 11 December, 2006 at 12.20 p.m.

Introduction

The establishment of the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute here at DCU is a hugely exciting development.  It is an honour for me to be here to mark the Institute’s official opening at today’s symposium.

By investing in research of the kind being conducted at BDI, we are making a real investment in our future on a number of fronts.  In the first instance, the research that is being carried on here has the potential to radically change the way in which we diagnose and manage disease, worldwide. 

In terms of our national development as a centre of excellence for research and innovation, the Institute is set to significantly enrich this environment through its unique integration of a range of scientific and engineering disciplines. 

This has the potential to make a major contribution to the growth of our economy in the areas of competitiveness and job creation.  In addition, the strong educational focus of the Institute should make an important impact in promoting a general interest in science and technology – essential to our development as a knowledge economy.

Biomedical Diagnostics Institute

The Biomedical Diagnostics Institute was established in 2005, with an investment of €16.5m by Science Foundation Ireland, under its Centres for Science Engineering and Technology Programme - the largest CSET award to date by Science Foundation Ireland.  An additional €6.5 million contribution has been made from industry partners. Needless to say, the project was subject to rigorous analysis by international experts, Government agency and industry leaders. 

The Institute’s research programme incorporates both fundamental research and application-focused research. A distinguishing feature of the Institute is the collaboration between academia, industry and the clinical environment - something which is very rare worldwide.

Researchers here in BDI are carrying out cutting-edge research to develop a range of next-generation biomedical diagnostic devices, that will directly affect the quality of people's lives throughout the world over the coming decades.  This research aims to deliver the science and technology that will drive a revolution in health management.  It seeks to address a range of diseases and illnesses that pose significant challenges to society, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

In addition to the development of Point of Care applications, such as tests in doctors' surgeries, a key goal of the Institute is to empower people to self manage their health. BDI is focusing on developing accurate and reliable diagnostic devices, suitable for self-test and home use, which will enable people to take control over the management of their own health. These devices will enable detection of life-threatening events long before a critical stage is reached and help chronic diseases to be controlled more effectively.  This will reduce hospital stays and save lives.

In many cases, the devices will use advanced communications technologies to enable expert monitoring to be provided remotely from the patient.  The integration of a range of scientific and engineering disciplines required to develop these devices is a key feature of the Institute. 

The researchers working here in BDI face a major scientific challenge in creating reliable, miniaturised systems, that can determine the presence of an illness from the detection of very small numbers of molecules with high sensitivity.   I have no doubt that BDI, under the direction of Professor Brian MacCraith, is up to this challenge.  Of course, Professor MacCraith will be able to rely on a partnership of the very best researchers from academic institutions, companies and the clinical environment that form the team of over 70 scientists here at the Institute. This includes top research scientists from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the CRC at Beaumont Hospital, the National University of Ireland, Galway and the Tyndall National Institute in Cork.

Partnerships with Industry

A central component of Science Foundation Ireland's CSET Programme is the establishment of substantial industrial collaboration with each project.  I am pleased to say that BDI has already successfully established research collaboration with six leading global organisations:

·         Becton Dickinson - who have been based in Ireland for over 40            years, and are one of the longest established IDA attracted             companies to this country;

·         Analog Devices;

·         Hospira;

·         Inverness Medical Innovations (IMI);

·         Åmic; and

·         Enfer Scientific - an indigenous Irish SME.

All of these companies have researchers based in BDI laboratories, and I am delighted that representatives from these companies are here today.  

One of BDI’s central objectives is the provision of highly skilled researchers for the development of a sustainable industry sector. The collaborative research undertaken here at BDI is a tangible example of the Government’s aim to create highly competitive academic research teams, linking academia and industry.  It is part of the overall effort by SFI to create a lasting indigenous research base that produces ideas, products and jobs, based on knowledge and innovation.

BDI educational focus

In addition to its exciting and challenging research programme, a key focus of the BDI is the stimulation of an enduring interest in science and technology in students of all ages.  BDI is also seeking to enhance public understanding of scientific issues, especially in the context of health monitoring. The Institute has developed a dynamic Education Programme, which includes an international exchange network with leading research institutions.

The Institute also delivers a pro-active Outreach Programme. Activities developed by the BDI include a programme for primary schools, Me & My Body, aimed at 8-12 year olds and internship for teachers. It also hosts undergraduate students on work placements during the summer through the Science Foundation Ireland UREKA programme.

Sectoral contribution to economy

The Medical Device and Diagnostics sector represents a vibrant growth area within the Irish economy, and is a sector where Ireland is establishing a strong research base.  Over 130 companies are involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing a diverse range of products.  These include items such as disposable plastic and wound care products; precision metal implants including pacemakers; contact lenses and stents.   The sector exports goods in excess of €6 billion per annum and directly employs over 26,000 people with more than 40% of them holding third level qualifications.

I know that the former Director General of the SFI has identified that the BDI will have far-reaching implications for the Irish economy, and that the sector is one in which we can develop a position of competitive strength and critical mass. The Government very much supports these aims.  

Government policy and supports for sector

At present, the Irish economy is very strong, with GDP and GNP growth rates among the best in the world. However, this Government recognises that in order to remain competitive, we must increase the added value of our economic output.  To achieve this, we need to focus on high technology industries, which are driven by significant investment in R&D.  The medical device industry is clearly one of these sectors in which future technological development can be exploited.

The Government is committed to the development of Ireland as a world-leading knowledge economy, founded on research, development and innovation, and a highly developed skills base. We are delivering substantial investment in cutting edge research, development and innovation, and have put in place a number of key structures and strategies to drive our development in this area, including Science Foundation Ireland and the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions.

Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation       

Earlier this year, the Government, with the launch of the new Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 - 2013, reiterated its commitment to the creation of a knowledge-based economy. The goal of this ambitious strategy is to position Ireland as a key player in research on the world stage. 

The Strategy envisages significant increases in public expenditure on research and development over the next eight years, during which we will:

·         Double the number of PhD graduates in Ireland;

·         Develop a targeted and focused programme of research activity across a range of key sectors of the economy, building on our proven expertise in ICT, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology;

·         Enhance arrangements for the capture, protection and exploitation       of intellectual property;

·         Further develop the opportunities for collaboration between industry and academia; and

·         Create a dynamic environment in which to attract, produce and retain world-class researchers and research projects.

Our clearly stated aim is that Ireland by 2013 will be internationally renowned for the excellence of its research.  We will be at the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social progress, within an innovation driven culture.

Concluding remarks

The Biomedical Diagnostics Institute is a prime example of the new type of investment that we are putting in place to underpin our overall strategy, and I look forward to seeing the results of the research undertaken here at BDI over the coming years. I would like to conclude by congratulating the Institute’s Director, Professor Brian MacCraith, Manager Dr. Keith O’Neill, and all connected with the Institute on their achievements to date.  I wish you all every success for 2007 and beyond.

Thank you.

ENDS