The Bernal Institute Report 2020

Bernal Report 2020

Contents FOREWORD FROM THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

4

FOREWORD FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK

5

WELCOME

6

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

8

STRATEGIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

10

2020 BY THE NUMBERS

16

IN THE BERNAL SPOTLIGHT

20

RESEARCH CLUSTERS

22

MOLECULAR AND NANO MATERIALS CLUSTER

23

COMPOSITES CLUSTER

26

PROCESS ENGINEERING CLUSTER

29

BIO MATERIALS CLUSTER

33

RESEARCH CENTRES

38

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

42

BERNAL COMMUNITY

46

BERNAL COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020

47

OVERVIEW OF YESBERNAL

50

BERNAL GRADUATIONS IN 2020

52

EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

54

TOP DECILE PUBLICATIONS IN 2020

58

FUNDERS

64

3

Foreword from the Supervisory Board

Foreword from the President of the University of Limerick

As an advisory board we are delighted to see

We are especially pleased that the institute is guided

I’m delighted to present the first Report of the Bernal

An institute is formed by its people: students and

the significant development of the young Bernal

by its values of integrity and excellence, collaboration

Institute, covering achievements for the period up

staff. This makes goal 2 one of the most relevant

Institute, building its reputation on the national and

and education, equality and diversity. Living

to the pandemic year of 2020. The last year has

ones. The recent CINNTE Institutional Review Report

international stage with confidence and ambition.

these values has kept the institute strong in these

emphasised once more how critical the focus on global

of University of Limerick has applauded some of the

challenging times. The strong community identity

grand challenges is. Obviously the societal challenges

initiatives taken by the Bernal team to progress goal 2,

Over the last three years we have taken the first

and commitment of all to sustained growth under

around health have been front and centre this year

which in a number of cases also implies reaching

important steps towards realizing our vision of

the pandemic challenge is more than encouraging.

and will continue into the nearer future, but generating

outside the institute’s boundaries. The diverse

demonstrated leadership in advanced materials

We would like to thank the Operations Team for

scientific and engineering solutions for clean energy

and multidisciplinary community in the institute,

that impact important global challenges.

their role in making it possible for the institute to

and a resilient climate needs urgent attention as well

the competitiveness of the international research

progress in a safe world class environment.

to improve the planetary health. Those solutions will

landscape and the required vast and costly equipment

contribute to the highly necessary post-pandemic

infrastructure provide combined challenges. The

We compliment the Director and Leadership Team for their success in creating an institute identity and

The post-pandemic economic recovery will provide

recovery, and the promising directions at the Bernal

Bernal team is determined to focus on further progress

coherent strategy, and securing the commitment

a tremendous opportunity for the institute to

Institute is fully aligned with UL@50, the Strategic

on goal 2 in the coming period, which will benefit

of PIs, staff and students around plan execution.

grow further in regional, national and international

Plan of University of Limerick, and the national

the institute itself, as well as support University

impacts. Strategic orientation on Grand Challenges

economic recovery plans of the Irish government.

of Limerick to augment excellence in research.

Our success across all clusters in research outputs

in Health, Energy and the Environment is timely

measured in publications and funding awards has

and critical. Many solutions to these grand

The Report describes how and to what extent the

I thank the Director and the whole Bernal team for

been notable. The philosophy of continuing to

challenges lie in structural materials advances.

Bernal Institute has met its five strategic targets. While

their sustained commitment, including during the

raise the bar is key for us to realise our ambition.

Structures matter and what we do next matters.

there is clearly work to be done, I think progress has

difficult and ongoing health crisis. I look forward

been exceeding expectations especially on targets

to learning about Bernal’s further development, as

Bernal has become an important contributor in the

The Supervisory Board wishes the Director, and

1 (development to become a recognised player in

well as supporting further interaction across the

Irish and European research ecosystem. Bernal

team every success in the next phase of the

structured materials research), 4 (extension of global

campus and region, and above all, the continued

researchers are playing significant roles in SFI centres

institute’s development and looks forward to its

reach through collaborative partnerships) and 5 (to

development of its staff and students.

such as SSPC, MaREI and CONFIRM. Collaborations

continued growth in performance and impact, as

develop the institute as a sustainable entity). The

with faculty across the University cements the

we journey to be(come) truly 2nd-to-None.

underlying report provides significant evidence that

institute as an important pillar for future UL success.

the Bernal team has managed well in the increasingly competitive research landscape. However, further

Key to the success of Bernal is its people.

steps in entrepreneurship are required to progress

The strategic prioritisation of talent

goal 3 (related to further commercialisation of research

Kerstin Mey

development by the Leadership Team is paying dividends and should continue.

opportunities), which is a strategic ambition of the

President,

Kieran Drain

University and its contribution to the regeneration

University of Limerick

Chair, Supervisory Board

of the region and the national economic recovery plans. I’m looking forward to further developments.

4

5

Welcome

Piracetam Kaleidoscope by Dr Rodrigo Soto and Laura Gonzalez 2020 Bernal Institute Research Image of the Year

2020 was and has been an unusual year to say the

One of our most significant outputs in Bernal are our

least. In Bernal it commenced as an exciting year

people and especially our PhD student graduates.

with our first ever Industry Day in January which

Through YESBernal we work on a daily basis to

delivered contacts and context for the institute and

enhance the student experience but also to develop

Industry partners alike. Our researchers, industry

the careers of the academics and industrialists of the

partners, students and external funding agencies

future. We acknowledge that group in particular for

shared and considered the future and all looked

their continued dedication and exuberance for the role.

bright. In February there was, in the background, a sense that a tsunami was coming from the East

The year concluded with our first ever International

but the hope was this would pass quickly. Then

Virtual Research Day where we reached out to

March 12th came and everything changed, changed

20,000 personnel globally. We had research

utterly and yet another terrible beauty was born.

presentations from colleagues from the UK, Germany, the US, Canada, Italy as well as Bernal colleagues.

Like many organisations Bernal went into fight,

It was a day of celebration with our research

as distinct from flight, recovery mode and while

awards to our community completing the day.

messages from the external environment; ‘research is an essential service’ to ‘Universities and Educational

We look at 2021 and future years with enthusiasm.

organisations should remain closed’ were conflicting,

Internally we have great plans for revitalising teaching

Bernal set about the challenge with gusto. It was

programmes at under and post graduate level across

the first entity in UL to return to work in early June

departments within UL. We are targeting significant

and laid the pathway for others to follow. That

EU programmes at the Excellent Science level while

energy and vitality is what we live by in Bernal

also engaging with our chosen Industry partners on

and it is abound throughout the organisation.

international and national platforms. Our support

Like many in recent times we have suffered loss

team and Instrument Scientists are, as always

within our community. The indefatigable Ian

ready, willing and able to assist in all of the above.

Quinn, member of our supervisory board lost

We are delighted to bring the first Bernal Institute

his long battle with illness during the year. And

report which demonstrates how, in a crisis, the spirit of the community has not only achieved

Our cover photo is taken from our recently hosted

like with so many others in these times we were

targets, they have been surpassed beyond all

International research day astrum.ie. Astrum

unable to express our sympathies in person with

expectations. This is evident in our publication

is the Latin word meaning heavenly body or

his family. We would like to acknowledge Ian’s

quality and quantity in the year. Our renewed

constellation. We invite you to come on this journey

unflinching support and commitment to Bernal,

membership within 2020 has led the way here.

with us in Bernal as we ‘reach for the stars’.

a true innovator, an inspiration and a friend.

This report gives a snapshot of some of the

2020 also saw the very untimely and sudden

outstanding research that is taking place in Bernal.

passing of our beloved friend and colleague,

We also take some time to explain our strategy to

David O’Connor - Doc, as he was known to us

become world leading in structured materials and

all, was in the final year of his PhD studies under

on how we are tackling global grand challenges and

the supervision of Professor Mikah Walsh.

UN sustainable development goals in the areas of

One of the bright young lights within Bernal,

Health, Energy and the Environment. In this report,

a character whose personality touched all that

we showcase just some of the 65 Principal

were in his presence, his passing has left a void

Investigators (PIs) but there is a lot more

in our community that will never be replaced.

happening than can be shared in a single report across our four research clusters of Bio

Luuk van der Wielen

Jon O’Halloran

Materials, Composite Materials, Molecular &

Director

General Manager

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

Nano Materials and Process Engineering.

6

7

VISION

VALUES

TO BECOME THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR THE SCIENTIFIC DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF STRUCTURED MATERIALS TO MEET GLOBAL CHALLENGES, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREAS OF HEALTH, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

Bernal espouses the following values:

VISION:

Developing our community – from undergraduate

leaders capable of creating new approaches.

to full professor – is a primary goal.

INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE

are at the heart of everything we do.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP:

Our Vision Explained

We pride ourselves on a can-do attitude that is

When the research clusters’ strengths are

researchers who work on structured materials –

considered, a notable theme common to all four

from scientists to engineers – uniquely enables

that emerges is in the area of structured materials:

the institute to address specific challenges within

materials that deliver significant advances in

the areas of health, energy and the environment.

performance from their specific structures.

The institute’s research will not only address

The multidisciplinary nature of the pool of Bernal

challenges but also lead the way on finding societal

EDUCATION:

Team members are encouraged to be thought

dynamic, creative and enterprise-focused.

COLLABORATION:

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY:

We uphold best practice in equality, diversity and inclusivity.

SAFETY:

We are committed to the health and safety of all members of the team.

We value strong and long-standing partnerships.

and industrial solutions in these specific areas.

MISSION

BY DEVELOPING DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO HEALTH, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, WE WILL CREATE A LEGACY OF SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENT IN STRUCTURED MATERIALS RESEARCH THAT BENEFITS FUTURE GENERATIONS. Our Mission Explained Bernal research resides mainly within the Pasteur

society within the relevant grand challenge areas,

quadrant of research. As such, the research is

Bernal strives for its research to be disruptive and

underpinned by significant scientific understanding

to deliver transformative solutions that will change

and addresses current real-world challenges. Rather

forever the way society and industry operate.

than seeking to deliver incremental change to

8

9

Strategic Goals and Objectives Bernal’s strategic plan 2019–2022 is based around five strategic goals, as depicted in Figure 1 below.

Each goal is supported by two strategic objectives, which combine to provide a clear pathway for Bernal to realise its vision and accomplish its mission.

GOAL 1: Deliver globally recognised research in structured materials.

The productivity of the Bernal members, staff

in the context of the drastically improved quality (and

and students as measured by the number of top

quantity) of Asian outputs due to massive investments

quartile publications shown in Figure 2 shows

in the fields of chemistry, advanced materials, and

a rapid increase since the formal launch of the

manufacturing technology which are of strategic

institute in 2016. In the first pandemic year, we saw

importance for ‘manufacturing nations’. This has put

an exceptional performance leading to a doubled

significant pressure on most Western players in this

productivity relative to a more or less constant,

field, and will continue to do so, with the exception of

historic baseline. Total productivity, including

a very small group of global top players such as the

higher quartile segments was approximately 30%

University of Cambridge that manage to grow their

higher, so further focus on the top quartile segment

impact over FWCI of 2. High ranking Irish universities

allows for further growth at same writing effort.

such as TCD and UCD have roughly sustained their position of 1.5 - 1.7 global average. Overall,

In the highly competitive international research

this underlines the need for a research focussed

landscape, the quality trend line of the Bernal

strategy to prevent slippage and enable progress.

Institute’s publications as expressed in the Field Weighed Citation Index shows a sustained high quality of around 75% better performance than global average

The pandemic years of 2020 (and 2021), has significantly restricted the possibilities

(FWCI =1) during the last decade. This should be seen

for presence in the physical institute including face-to-face contact of PIs, staff and students, and thus challenged meeting the concrete objectives that underpinned our goals. In this first Report, we describe in more detail how and to what extent we have met our goals, and what actions we plan for the upcoming period.

Bernal Total Publications 2014 - 2020

Figure 1: Strategic Goals

Intro membership: 25% rejuvenation

350

1.

Deliver globally recognised research in structured materials

300

298

250

5.

2.

Develop the institute into a high-performing, sustainable entity

Empower members to reach their full potential

22/11/2016 launch of Bernal Institute

200 150

Bernal actual: 5.3 / PI

212 154

150

2014

2015

158

156

2016

2017

Bernal target: 4 / PI

200

100 50

10

4.

3.

Extend our global reach through collaborative relationships

Maximise opportunities to commercialise research

0 2018

2019

2020

Figure 2: Bernal Total Publications 2014 - 2020

11

GOAL 3: Maximise opportunities to commercialise research.

Bernal outputs: quality ~ 1.7 x global average

2.5 FWCI

U Cambridge

Commercialisation of Bernal-initiated research has

GOAL 4: Extend our global reach through collaborative partnerships.

three complementary mechanisms: (a) starters and

2

1.5

Irish universities*

Bernal 10 yr average global average

1

chinese universities** Bernal launch

0.5

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

Overall

0

Figure 3: Bernal outputs: quality ~ 1.7 x global average

spin-outs, (b) direct collaborations with existing

The most visible large scale collaborative partnerships

and new industries and (c) through licensing of

with industry are through the national centres

IP and other services. During review period, we

hosted by the Bernal Institute or elsewhere (MaREI,

saw several successful ventures starting from the

AMBER, CURAM and CONNECT) and increasingly

Bernal Institute such as Class Medical, Cala Medical,

in the framework of thematic European projects.

Hooke Bio in line with earlier successful spin-outs

Our observation is that the share of projects in Irish

in the pre-Bernal period. The proximity of those

Centres is reaching saturation, and do not expect

also led to further collaborations of the institute in

further growth but emphasize a further deepening of

their early commercial steps with firm public (DTIF,

the various relationships. At this moment, the centre-

EI funding) and private (venture capital and other

related grants contribute approximately 25-30%

investors) supports. Various initiatives have been

of the ‘external’ Bernal budget, and in combination

taken to stimulate this entrepreneurial side of the

with personal excellence awards (ERC, IRC, URF,

institute. Many projects find their way through the

MSCA) responsible for approximately half of the

second mechanism of direct industry collaborations

Bernal project budget. A number of initiatives have

or through the public-private (SFI/EI) Centres SSPC,

been taken for new All-Island research programs

CONFIRM, PMTC, DPTC and ICOMP. Specific attention

and centres in 2021, where we have engaged a

was given to support direct industry collaborations

broad group of research across the various Bernal

through Bernal Enterprise Services (BEST) with a

clusters. In total, this has provided a healthy yet

portfolio of appreciated business interactions. Budget

tight financial situation, with a steadily increasing

wise, the latter was in the review period the larger

award trend, that is at target until 2021 and 2022.

volume of activities (~25%). The third mechanism was

GOAL 2: Empower members to reach their full potential.

The European framework programs have great

a proactive licensing strategy which at this moment

opportunity for growth in good international

is organised through the UL Technology Transfer

collaboration throughout Europe. We have set a

Office (TTO) in consultation with the Bernal PIs and

target that follows the national policy towards 30% of

their home departments. Discussions are ongoing to

our grant volume. With the Bernal Institute growing

shift this function also to the research institute and

in maturity and visibility, we are convinced that

increase service portfolio towards industry partners.

this strategy will be increasingly successful yet will

The Bernal Institute is to provide a conducive

professional development system. The step was

environment for its PI members. A strategic step was

explicitly applauded in the UL Quality Review of

require continuous attention and support. The level

to develop a meaningful membership with guidelines

2020, and emphasized the leadership that the

of participation in European program applications and

on how members could reach their full potential

Bernal Institute has taken into reaching Goal 2.

projects is encouraging (See Figure 4). In both 2019

in the competitive global research landscape. The

12

probably the smallest in volume, and would require

and 2020, we exceeded our targets by approximately

first membership model was rolled out in 2019,

Positive impacts of this are also evidenced in the

20%. In 2021 and 2022, the combination of change

and while keeping the numbers approximately

steep increase in the numbers of ERC-applications

in European Framework programs (H2020 to Horizon

constant, it has led to a significant rejuvenation of the

and other personal excellence awards with the first

Europe) and the corresponding dip in calls will provide

membership base. During the introduction process,

successes showing in the review period. The number

a challenge to meet the targets for 2021 and 2020

all members had individual discussions on their

of awards recognising laboratory performance

(€5.6m and €8m respectively). On a positive note, the

research ambitions in line with their management

(Irish Laboratory Awards) at individual as well as

rejuvenation of the Bernal-related group of PIs with a

organisation (departments and schools). In many

on team/group level has risen significantly over

dozen motivated Early Career PIs, all with European

cases, members opted for a voluntary participation

the review period, underlining once more that a

ambitions, hold great future promise (See Figure 5).

in the so-called Performance and Development

significant fraction of the Bernal members feel

Review System (PDRS) Pilot; an initiative to provide

empowered and show the confidence to apply at

more direct research guidance in the formal UL

national and international professional podia.

13

GOAL 5: Develop the institute into a high performing, sustainable entity.

Bernal Research Awards 2011 - 2020

€35,000,000 Bernal Target

€30,000,000 €25,000,000 €20,000,000

Bernal Awards

€15,000,000 €10,000,000 €5,000,000

Intro Membership: 25% rejuvenation

€

Awards (w/o Centres & Excellence)

In the above four goals, we have painted a picture of

Having started basic institutional development in

an emerging, and increasingly better performing Bernal

2017 with a renewed strategic process, the Quality

Institute. The success was obviously rooted in the

Management System (QMS) was initiated in 2019,

strengths that the previous MSSI and Stokes Institute

prepared in 2020 and is being rolled out in 2021. This

presented in combination with the investments and

will formalise, test, and optimise the basis of internal

leadership of the Bernal project (kicked off in 2010).

processes and structures that are necessary for

Integration of the fairly diverse community was

a professional organisation that the 400+p Bernal

and is one of the greater challenges in building the

Institute aspires to be. Following the model, the status

institute; while the diverse backgrounds themselves

will be tested in the upcoming international Quality

provide significant chances and opportunities, it

and Peer Review, scheduled for November 2021.

is not automatic and need a further emphasis on aspects of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity.

2011/12

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20

Figure 4: Bernal Research Awards 2011 - 2020

In Conclusion

Evaluation of participation and contribution Excellence Science 13

30m

Other

25m

Excellence Science 13

Cumulative H2020 Net EU Contribution

increased effort in talent development of its PI, staff and student pool. With sustained

15m

a further growth from the current, still early and fragile phase of development towards a mature and operational organisation in the next strategic cycle 2022-’27.

10m

2010

2011

C ER 2

2009

T ROAC FETP 1

2008

dedication to a strategy that builds on strengths in structured materials research in

investments and commitment of all in and affiliated to the Bernal Institute, we expect

P MB

FETOPEN 1

2007

of Limerick, philanthropy, SFI/EI, industry and increasingly also EU programs, all its dimensions of characterisation, design and manufacturing, and a significantly

20m

N IT- 7

LE

an unprecedented challenge, but results up to now have shown an exceptional achievement, due to significant prior investments and commitment from the University

MSCA 9

l tria us hip Ind ders a Le 8

The underlying report shows that the Bernal Institute is well on track, with its five strategic goals, increasingly met. The pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 provide

Other 1

l ta s cie ge So llen a Ch 3

&E c 1 sel

35m

H2020 Net EU Contribution (EUR)

Societal Challenges 3

gy er En 1

ICT

Tr SC an 4 sp 1 or t

Industrial Leadership 8

d Foo SC2 gri A 1

3

SC

10m 9.5m 9m 8.5m 8m 7.5m 7m 6.5m 6m 5.5m 5m 4.5m 4m 3.5m 3m 2.5m 2m 1.5m 1m 500k 0

2012

5m

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

0m

Bernal: €17.6m total take engagement 60 >> 75% success rate 28/222 (1/8) Figure 5: Evaluation of participation and contribution

14

15

2020 by the Numbers

FUNDING TOTAL FUNDING IN 2020

€15.18M

73

214

298

TOP DECILE PUBLICATIONS, 24.49% OF TOTAL PUBLICATIONS ARE IN TOP DECILE

TOP QUARTILE PUBLICATIONS AND 71.8% OF TOTAL PUBLICATIONS ARE IN TOP QUARTILE

TOTAL PUBLICATIONS IN 2020

PEOPLE

174 2.67 16

49.7%

STUDENTS IN SUPERVISION

PhDs PER PI

INVENTION DISCLOSURES

15

LICENCES, OPTIONS, ASSIGNMENTS

7

PATENT APPLICATIONS

6

PATENTS GRANTED

INDUSTRY FUNDING

4.9 2.7

2016

1

5.2

3.6 2.1

2017

2018

2019

2020

CITATIONS RECEIVED PER YEAR - FOR DOCUMENTS PUBLISHED 2016-20

€0.56M

COMMERCIAL OUTPUTS

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

€4.8M

INCREASE IN PUBLICATIONS SINCE 2019

OUTPUTS IN TOP 1 CITATION PERCENTILE (%) TRENDLINE

INTERNATIONAL FUNDING

PUBLICATIONS

65

BERNAL TREND

6,497 4,245 2,602 213 2016

1,136

2017

2018

2019

2020

FIELD WEIGHTED CITATION IMPACT

1.64

1.55

1.49

1.72

1.77

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

17

RANKING Chem Eng (500)

Materials Science (400)

1-2

30 140 0

0 30 15 2

IRL

UL

2 A (6 RWU 70 010)

301-400

113

3 11

3

10 6

Chemistry (500)

MechAero Eng (500)

116

EU

86

Mat Sci & Eng (500)

301 -35 0

0 -40 301

GLOBAL

QS (5110) 52

BERNAL 20/21

2-3

4

164

351-400

Chemistry (620)

THE (401 500)-

2

3

72 20 1-2 50

80

95 30 1-4 00

#2-4

18

Chemistry (1091)

0 -40 301

BERNAL RANKS

401-500

MechAero Eng (978)

0 50 140

Chem Eng (878)

5

4

00 1-4 30

Biol Sciences (875)

Chem Eng (400)

Physics (1074)

Subject (# of universities ranked)

AVERAGE SUBJECT RANKINGS

in Ireland

Global ‘18

Global ‘19 Global ‘20 Global ‘21 250 300

#72-164

in Europe

#201-400

globally

350 400 450 Meiyan Gao, PhD Student, Department of Chemical Sciences, Mol Nano Materials Cluster

19

In the Bernal Spotlight Bernal Chair of Crystal Engineering, Professor Michael Zaworotko Professor Michael Zaworotko was already listed as one

provide solutions to challenges related to industrial gas

a material for us that could help solve the global water

of the most impactful chemists worldwide prior to his

purification and pharmaceutical formulations. Perhaps

crisis,” and that jointly they “bridge the gap between

arrival in the University of Limerick as SFI Research

most relevant though are breakthroughs made with

academic scientific research with real world product

Professor and Bernal Chair of Crystal Engineering in

new porous materials that are so efficient that they

development, engineering and business development.”

2013. “DR Z”, as some call him, has been listed as a

“could extract water in the arid atmosphere over

highly cited researcher in the field of Chemistry by

deserts and help grow crops in these environments”.

Engineering, Science Foundation of Ireland Research

Clarivate Analytics almost every year during 20142019 in Chemistry and in 2018 he was also listed

In a 2019 interview in the Irish Times, DR Z stated that

Professor and Co-Director of the Synthesis and Solid-

in a second field, Pharmacology and Toxicology

“Even in zones of very low humidity on Earth, even in

State Pharmaceutical Centre. He was instrumental in

(currently, his citations are in excess of 49000.) DR Z

deserts, there is still some water in the atmosphere.

developing the first strategic plan, ‘Structures Matter’,

joined when the Bernal Project was in its infancy and

This material could be applied to capture the water

of the Bernal Institute, which relates structured

during its transition to the Bernal Institute in 2016.

from the air, meaning you could potentially grow crops

materials research to grand challenges in Health,

there.” In the same interview, he added that: “Without

Energy and the Environment. He has been and

Recently, DR Z was awarded an Advanced Grant from

water, there is no life, no Plan B. About one third of the

continues to be a highly appreciated mentor, not

the European Research Council, one of only eleven

world’s population does not have access to pure water

only for his students and co-workers, but also as a

such of these prestigious awards across Europe in the

and this technology helps to solve that problem.”

role model for many academic colleagues from early

fields of synthetic chemistry and materials in 2020.

career PIs to well established professors. For these

DR Z leads the crystal engineering group at UL, but

The favourable properties of the materials developed

exceptional achievements, he has been appointed

has been working in the field of crystal engineering

at Bernal, which are called “Regeneration Optimised

as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry,

since 1990. Crystal engineering is the field of

Sorbents “ (ROS materials), is that they can regenerate

the Learned Society of Wales and the Institute of

chemistry that studies the design, properties and

the water-loaded material at 49 ºC instead of at

Chemistry of Ireland. He is also Member of the Royal

applications of new crystalline materials. Currently,

temperatures as high as 204 ºC, which is the case for

Irish Academy. Needless to say, the Bernal Institute

porous materials such as metal-organic materials

existing commercial sorbent materials. This capability

is extremely proud of this distinguished member;

(MOMs) and multi-component pharmaceutical

drastically reduces the energy footprint for water

a reason to put the Bernal spotlight on him.

materials (MPMs), such as cocrystals, are of

harvesting and, indeed, for many other applications

particular interest. These new materials are aimed

of water removal or purification. The breakthrough

at addressing global challenges such as carbon

in ROS sorbents has been the result of an intense

capture, water purification and better medicines.

partnership with Molecule RND Ltd, an international research group and incubator fund that has relocated

20

DR Z currently serves as Bernal Chair of Crystal

Being recognised as one of the most creative chemists

to UL to work with Professor Zaworotko’s team. The

worldwide indicates that his impacts go beyond

same interview quotes Molecule’s chief technology

scientific publications. His research results aim to

officer Kurt Francis. “We approached Mike to develop

“Without water, there is no life, no Plan B. About one third of the world’s population does not have access to pure water and this technology helps to solve that problem.”

21

Research Clusters Efforts to harness Bernal’s research strengths led to the establishment of four research clusters. A research cluster is defined as having a critical mass of researchers, at the centre of which are leading scientists and engineers. The cluster provides a conducive mentoring and training environment for junior colleagues, postdocs and graduate students in a multidisciplinary setting. Bernal’s four research clusters are: • Molecular & Nano Materials (MOL) • Bio Materials (BIO)

MOLECULAR AND NANO MATERIALS CLUSTER Total Publications in 2020: 85*

By way of example, functional porous materials

Members in Cluster: 18

known as metal-organic materials (MOMs), which

Cluster Leader: Professor Kevin M. Ryan

have an unprecedented surface area (i.e., a football

Deputy Leader: Dr Ning Liu

field per gram), can reduce energy consumption by

*Including cross cluster publications

catalysis, carbon capture or natural gas storage.

Another example can be seen in multi-component pharmaceutical materials (MPMs), such as (ionic)

Centuries ago, during the Renaissance, the

cocrystals and hydrates, which can be used

development of new design concepts and the

to enable new and improved medicines to be

importation of engineering techniques revolutionised

developed. Other applications include semiconductor

architecture and meant that buildings unlike any seen

nanocrystals and nanowires which can allow

before could be constructed. Today, we are at a point

remarkable gains in storage capacity when used as

where the expansion of computational power, the

anodes or cathodes for rechargeable batteries.

development of better/faster characterisation methods and the evolution of synthesis concepts, such as self assembly and supramolecular chemistry, have enabled the dream of materials by design to approach fruition. This ‘materials design revolution’ is poised to profoundly influence society by impacting, among other activities, energy sustainability and

Specific goals for MOL 1. Develop new materials and design methods

drug development. Simply put, by finding the

for molecular and nano structured materials

right chemical structures, materials scientists

with multiple functionalities, with increased

and engineers can gain the level of power that

performance in capacity and rates, on

architects have when designing new buildings.

renewable/recyclable and affordable building blocks.

This means that molecular and nano materials

• Composite Materials (COMP)

platforms that are custom-designed to suit tasks as diverse as rechargeable batteries, drug delivery,

on those molecular and nano structured

• Process Engineering (PROC)

carbon capture, natural gas storage, heterogeneous

materials at low costs and improved

catalysis and commodity purification are at hand.

emission profiles.

2. Establish disruptive technologies based

This is because each of these challenges can be addressed with novel materials that overcome the weaknesses or handicaps of current technologies.

Crystal and nano materials engineering has recently afforded breakthroughs in both materials design and properties. We also study nucleation and growth in both hard (metal, semiconductor) and soft (pharmaceutical) nanocrystal materials with an emphasis on size, shape and crystal phase control.

22

23

Q: You are leading the H2020 EU projects NEILLSBAT and Si-DRIVE consortium which comprises of 16 academic and industrial partners from 7 European countries, why did you choose to join the Bernal Institute?

During my early employments as

Laboratories (UK), which, in turn, led to EPSRC

PDRA in Surrey and Manchester

funding awards, of which I was Co-PI, to establish the

Universities (starting in 1982)

world renowned Daresbury SuperSTEM facilities.

Q: What is the top scientific discovery from the Mol Nano Materials Cluster?

research based on electron microscopy. This did not

Following this, since my employment as Bernal Chair of

at all follow the directions of my Physics degree and

Microscopy and Imaging in UL in 2014, I set up a highly

I would like to highlight the work of one of the

PhD, but I never regretted having been diverted into

advanced (currently one-in-four in the world) TEM

highest cited chemists in his field Professor Mike

this area. I noticed then that in order to understand

facility, the Titan Themis (a 9 million euro instrument,

Zaworotko, who is a Bernal Chair, SFI Professor

the fundamentals of physics and chemistry of

obtained from contributions of the Opportunistic

and ERC Awardee and his demonstration of the

materials, the revelation of their atomic structure

Fund and of >5 million euros from my recent SFI

The Bernal institute is second to none in terms of

use of synergistic sorbents for the one step

down to a level, where the behaviour of individual

awards), as well as the TEMUL group, whose members

the collaborative environment with PIs from a wide

purification of Ethylene, the largest volume product

atoms is being visualised, is a necessity; this was also

are running this instrument, producing substantial

range of departments and disciplines and state

in the chemicals industry, from other gases. The

totally in line with my adoration of art and imagery.

scientific outputs. Apart from carrying on with ground-

of the art equipment. As a relatively new institute

approach developed eliminates the need for

nationally, there is a real opportunity to build on

energy intensive production in this industry and

Back in the early 1990s my atomic scale observations

we engage in novel TEM technique developments,

these strengths to deliver high impact research of

was published in the journal Science in 2020.

of III-V semiconductor heterostructures, amongst the

enabling in-situ measurements (in liquids and gases,

global significance. There is also a can do attitude

first of this kind, helped semiconductor industries

under cryogenic, heating and biasing conditions)

that supports researchers to lead large scale EU

to develop III-V semiconductor devices, which led

and in real-time (acquiring up to 1600 frames per

to a break-through in IT (because, in contrast to

second). This is the direction which TEM development

Si-devices, III-Vs could also be used for optical

is currently following worldwide. All this can only

purposes, e.g., LEDs). The investigations were

be achieved through the involvement of the gifted

amongst others, geared at establishing the role of

members of the TEMUL group, and colleagues, whom

projects from embedding research office personnel within Bernal to significant contributions from Bernal staff and management team. The Faculty, Departments and the Bernal Institute also have made

Q: What are your ambitions for the Mol Nano Materials Cluster for 2021?

I coincidentally slipped into

breaking research on low dimensional/nano materials,

an impressive investment to bring in new tenure

I would like the cluster to continue to build its

defects in the ageing and failure mechanisms of these

I couldn’t do without. Dr Michele Conroy is an expert in

track lecturers with research strengths in key areas

international profile and in tandem that of the

devices, and beyond the academic aspect, helped

the use of the Titan, including in-situ measurements,

that have brought great enthusiasm and energy

Bernal institute through high impact research

with trouble shooting in real devices in order to cut

having revealed, on the sub-Angstrom level, so far

to the institute and bodes well for the future.

but also by leading projects in key areas for the

market losses. Industrial companies in collaboration

unknown properties of ferro-electric materials with

recently launched Horizon Europe programme and

with which this research was carried out, included

novel/huge application potential in nano-electronics.

continuing to build on our industry interaction.

DeBeers, Shell, Bruker, Thomas Swan, BP Solar, GEC

She has brought in a large number of international and

Plessey, Philips Research Labs. Electron microscopy

industrial collaborations (e.g., from Analog Devices,

conducted under my supervision was essential in

Tyndall, Berkeley Labs, KAUST), as well as funding. Dr

laying scientific foundations for two new university

Jennifer Cookman has achieved internationally first

based spin-off companies: Graphene Industries,

observations of crystal growth, on the nano-level,

and Silicon Based Emission Technology (Sibet).

in various chemical and atmospheric environments,

Q: What has the Mol Nano Materials Cluster achieved to date?

The cluster has made very important breakthroughs that have been published in the highest impact

Q: What scientific goal or unsolved challenge do you as an individual want to achieve?

significantly impacting on Pharmaceutical industries,

journals and have attracted significant international

The promise of complete electrification of vehicle

The discovery of 2-D materials in the early 2000s was

and attracting collaboration with Nanomegas, as

attention. The research addresses some of

transport offers to be one of the most significant

then a fundamental and major breakthrough in science

well as with international academia (e.g., Aalto

the most important challenges of our time. As

industrial and societal changes we will observe

as well as for novel applications/technologies to be

and California Irvine Universities). Dr Alan Harvey

examples, research on formation of pharmaceutical

in our lifetime. Realising this is still hampered by

developed and employed by manufacturing and IT

is a TEM expert in using highly advanced imaging

nanocrystals that makes poorly soluble drugs

the high cost of batteries, their relatively slow

industries worldwide. The first 2-D material discovered

and spectroscopic techniques. In my currently

viable for oral delivery; novel structured porous

rate of charging (compared to

was graphene, materialised in the Geim Group in

funded projects (by the EU, the US and Ireland),

materials for capturing carbon dioxide from the air;

filling your tank with liquid fuel)

Manchester University, with whom I worked since its

apart from enabling novel, fundamental science

a dual-functional molecular switch that combines

and the range achievable.

inception. My group at Manchester was the first to

discoveries, the Titan Themis is making a big

the functionality of a diode and memory element,

Making new and disruptive

obtain atomic resolution images proving the existence

impact in supporting industries. These include

opening the door to energy efficient ultra-high

materials based on nanotechno-

of monolayer graphene, and contributing to the Nobel

nano-electronics industries, attempting to shrink

density computing and enabling new technologies in

logy that address these current

Price, which Professor Andre Geim was awarded

devices down to the few-atom (quantum) level, and

neuromorphic and quantum computing and electronics

battery shortfalls is a major

in 2010. A massive surge in the development and

Pharma industries, aiming at new ways to crystallise

for soft robotic and medical applications; new battery

focus area of my research.

investigation of other 2-D materials, for numerous and

pharmaceuticals for higher drug efficiencies.

chemistries for electric vehicles based on silicon that allow for longer range and faster recharging.

24

Bernal Chair in Microscopy and Imaging, Professor Ursel Bangert reflects on her career

Case study

Interview with Professor Kevin M. Ryan, Molecular Nano Materials Cluster Leader

novel applications has taken place since. To achieve Professor Kevin M. Ryan

these discoveries employment of highly specialised

The world’s materials development

instrumentation was required, e.g., in the Daresbury

cannot do without TEM! 25

Interview with Bernal Chair of Composite Materials and SFI Research Professor Paul Weaver

COMPOSITES CLUSTER Total Publications in 2020: 40*

sustainable transport. The cluster is developing new

Members in Cluster: 9

composites manufacturing technology to help reduce

Cluster Leader: Professor Paul Weaver

the cost of energy production from wind turbine blades

*Including cross cluster publications

and lead to cheaper, better-performing aircraft (less fuel burn). Design methods are focused on advanced stress analysis development and the subsequent

The grand challenges in affordable and clean

development of tools that exploit our new combination

energy and in environment and sustainability require

of materials and manufacturing technology.

breakthroughs in the design and manufacturing of installations for producing renewable energy

Q: You are an authority in the field of structural mechanics for composite materials, a pioneer in the emerging field of morphing composite structures, and a research leader with NASA and Airbus, why did you to choose to join the Bernal Institute?

as well as more efficient and lightweight transport. More specifically, Composites focuses on two main application areas: renewable wind energy and sustainable aircraft transport. The cluster’s research focuses on combining material

Specific goals for COMP

I was attracted to UL and the Bernal Institute due

1. Develop new manufacturing technology,

has a strong reputation in the field dating back to the

to the university’s track record in the field and the opportunities to carry out pioneering research. UL

development, manufacturing technology and design

materials and design methods for

1990s. I hope to take it to another level and put the

methods, and each area is pursued in balance

composites that reduce manufacturing

Bernal Institute on the world stage. The people are

and harmony with the other two so that equi-

costs, increase performance and use fewer

fantastic in Ireland; they do things on time and within

fidelity contributions to technology are made.

of the Earth’s resources than do current

budget but don’t seem to realise how good they are.

solutions.

The award of €6.1 million in funding under the Science Foundation Ireland Research Professorship

In relation to renewable energy, Bernal is already pursuing the development of new carbon fibre materials from sustainable resources (lignin). Once

2. Attract international composites players to Ireland to establish new enterprises.

sufficiently largescale production is achieved, composites will be developed with thermoplastic

3. Develop disruptive technologies based

matrices made from natural, sustainable sources.

on new cost-effective manufacturing

In terms of application, research in manufacturing

Professor Paul Weaver

Q: What is the top scientific discovery from the Composite Materials Cluster?

programme to work on the Varicomp project was

Our thermoplastic composite wing box holds a number

a deal clincher. Varicomp is developing large scale

of firsts, including being 30% lighter than state-of-

customised engineering structures tailored at each

the-art wing structures used in Airbus or Boeing

phase of construction to meet specific requirements

aircraft, which is manufacturing continuously, with

using additive layer manufacturing techniques.

minimal material waste. The aircraft wing box not only

techniques with new bio-based composites

increases performance but also reduces fuel burn and

from renewable resources.

will significantly improve aircraft energy efficiency.

and design methods contributes in a complementary manner to the areas of renewable energy and

Q: What has the Composite Materials Cluster achieved to date?

We have made advances in renewable composites where both matrix and reinforcement are made

Anthony O’Carroll, Technical Officer, Composite Materials Cluster

Q: What are your ambitions for the Composite Materials Cluster for 2021?

from recycled bottles. We have also advanced

To enhance our collaborative work with

technology for manufacturing composites more

European universities and companies under

efficiently and cheaply. These initiatives tackle

H2020 projects. To be recognised as pioneers

global challenges by reducing pollution, reducing

in the field of modular composites which

plastic waste going to landfill sites and minimizing

help realise a more sustainable future.

release of hazardous chemicals and materials. In addition, composites have provided an enabling technology for revolutionary concepts in the deployment of small satellites (Cubesats).

Q: What scientific goal or unsolved challenge do you as an individual want to achieve?

My personal ambition is to be the first researcher to develop topologically morphing structures, so think of a car that morphs into a personal aircraft. It’s a bit like a case of Terminator meets Inspector Gadget!

26

27

Case study

Tackling the scourge of plastic waste

EPA funded research has concluded the following: Ireland recycles 33.8% of its waste plastic

PROCESS ENGINEERING CLUSTER

packaging. It places Ireland over the 22.5% EU target, but under EU average of 42%. Ireland

Total Publications in 2020: 93*

patients in emerging markets and the developing world

Bernal Composites Researchers have developed

produces 58kgs of waste plastic packaging per

Members in Cluster: 18

to benefit from the dramatically improved availability of

a solution for the conversion of waste plastic

capita per year in 2017, or 95k tonnes in total. Out of

Cluster Leader: Professor Gavin Walker

medicine and nutrition (health) and Worldwide access

bottles into high performance composites for

these 95k tonnes of waste plastic packaging, about

Deputy Leader: Dr Jeff Punch

to affordable clean energy. Furthermore, the cluster

many applications, including car and off-the-

19k tonnes is PET plastics bottles (extrapolation

*Including cross cluster publications

aims to reduce the waste generation and net energy

road vehicle parts. This advanced research

of Repak’s characterisation study). In 2018, Ireland

initiative has the potential to have a real impact on

exported 11,128 recyclable ethylene polymers

solving one of the world’s leading environmental

(including PET), especially to the UK and Turkey

While the shift from batch to continuous manufacturing

European (carbon) emission targets are met, leading to

problems – responsible disposal of used plastics.

for recycling. At the same time, we imported 4.2k

remains topical in the pharmaceutical and other

a substantial contribution to reducing global warming.

tonnes of this waste material for recycling in Ireland.

specialty sectors, fully continuous processing streams,

The project involves commercialising the recycling

consumption of manufacturing processes by 2.5% year on year for five years, which will mean that Irish and

from reaction to tablet, have yet to be realised.

of the plastic material polyethylene terephthalate

Price of waste PET has gone up in the last year, from

Advances in continuous upstream processes, such

(PET), commonly used for water and soft drinks

€128/tonne in January to €309/tonne in November

as flow chemistry, and continuous crystallisation

bottles and other single-use products, through the

2019. Demand is stronger than ever from

remain decoupled from advances in downstream

development of a technology that allows these

manufacturers to use more recycled PET

formulation, and key limitations exist for both

plastics to be recycled into a high tensile fibre that

(e.g. Coca Cola).

aspects. Moreover, suitable options for continuous

Specific goals for PROC 1. Develop efficient manufacturing processes

isolation and drying at pharmaceutical relevant

ranging from high-added-value specialty

the potential to be used in the production of high

The project is attracting significant potential private

scales and in pharmaceutical environments

products such as vaccines, medicine and

performance recyclable composite parts for the

funding interests. A national and an international

(containment, cleaning and ATEX) are limited.

food ingredients to commodity products

automobile and agricultural vehicle industries.

consortium are exploring possible funding and

On the downstream side, continuous feeding of

such as food stuffs, chemical building

can then be woven into a fabric. This fabric has

licensing routes of the newly developed materials

powders at low feed rates is challenging, and the exact

blocks and energy carriers that are safe,

There is a growing trend to use Self-Reinforced

and discussions are ongoing with the project

mechanism of particle-particle interactions in some

high-quality and affordable.

Polymer composites (SRP), where the fibre and

team, Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and

unit operations is not fully understood. On a broader

the matrix are the same material, for consumer

the consortia on possible routes to market.

perspective, the mechanics of coupling unit operations

goods. Polymer composites are used to make high

together and coordinating inlet and outlet flows

performance parts without the weight of traditional

are not trivial, and mechanical and mathematical

materials such as steel or even aluminium. The new

modelling expertise in this area is currently lacking.

2. Reduce the capital and operation costs of processes by at least 50%.

3. Reduce the waste generation and net energy consumption of manufacturing processes by

technology developed by Dr Walter Stanley and Dr Terry McGrail, under the auspices of the Irish

Process analytical technology and modelling

Composites Centre (IComp), funded by Enterprise

to foster a fuller understanding of the

Ireland, – called ‘SerPET’ – will allow SRPs to be

process and to control outputs. PROC will aim to cut

manufactured rapidly from used plastic bottles for

the capital and operation costs of processes in half.

valuable and commercial applications, reducing the

This will have the effect of enabling millions of new

2.5% per year for five years.

volumes that go into landfill and into our oceans.

28

29

Interview with Bernal Chair of Pharmaceutical Powder Engineering, Co-Director SSPC, SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Professor Gavin Walker Q: What is the top scientific discovery from the Process Engineering cluster?

Q: What are your ambitions for the Process Engineering cluster for 2021?

A patent application (Application Number:

In 2021 the Process Engineering cluster aims to

EP19218890.2, Smart Flow Aids for Cohesive Powder

submit ERC applications in Starting (Dr Saeed

Handling) by Dr Akeem Olaleye, Professor Gavin M.

Shirazian), Consolidating (Dr Ahmad Albadarin) and

Walker, and Professor Harry van den Akker of the

Advanced (Professor Gavin Walker) Awards. The

Bernal Institute, was filed on December 20, 2019. The

cluster will also focus on developing the research

I was the first Bernal Professor, appointed in July

filed patent relates to novel flow-aided pipe bend for

programmes of SSPC, CONFIRM, PMTC and DPTC

2012. Previously I was head of chemical engineering,

conveying cohesive powders to produce an optimized

specifically on “Targeted” projects with industrial

in a Russel group university in the UK. I moved to

bend design in industrial pipework systems. The

partners. The cluster will aim to establish PhD

Bernal as it offered a great opportunity for me to

patent arises from research by the investigators in the

co-supervision studentships between established

focus more on research, particularly industrially

Enterprise Ireland funded Dairy Processing Technology

and junior academic members of the group. The

relevant research in national research centres SSPC,

Centre (DPTC) and Dr Olaleye’s 2019 SFI TIDA award

MSCA Co-Fund “PROCESS” has received its second

PMTC, DPTC and CONFIRM, which are hosted in UL.

on “Smart Flow Aids”. The technology builds on the

cohort of fellows in Q1 2020 and Call 3 has been

novel coupling of computational fluid mechanics (CFD)

launched in Q1 2021 for the remaining fellowships.

and discrete element methods (DEM) mathematical

The programme will also be hosting a summer school

models to create a “digital twin” of the nature of

for the existing fellows with other MSCA Co-Fund

powder flow in a pipework geometry. The technique

programmes in Lero and CONFIRM at UL. The cluster

was used to redesign a solids handling system in a

will focus on increasing the quality and quantity of

Q: You are a recognised world leading scientist, you have achieved exceptional scientific outputs in process innovation and advanced manufacturing along with funding awards in excess of €26 million, why did you choose to join the Bernal Institute?

Q: What has the Process Engineering cluster achieved to date?

DPTC member company and was a major commercial

publications in high impact process engineering

SSPC “SFI’s Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals”

output for DPTC. The technique is now being

journals specifically focussing on top decile journals.

successfully funded and started SSPC Phase 2 in

employed in a new project with Nestle, Corporate R&D

The ultimate goal of the cluster in 2021 is to

June 2019, €61M (2019-2025). EI Pharmaceutical

in Switzerland, which is fully funded by industry and

consolidate the membership, particularly ensuring

Manufacturing Technology Centre successfully

forms a core technology for CONFIRM, the SFI Centre

that support is given to junior cluster members

funded and started Phase 2 in July 2019, €6M

for Smart Manufacturing.

through a new SSPC-Bernal PhD scholarship scheme

(2019-2024). EI Dairy Processing Technology Centre

with the UL Foundation.

successfully funded for Phase 2 in Q4 2019, research programme to commence Q2 2020, €23M (2020-

Q: What scientific goal or unsolved challenge do you as an individual want to achieve?

2025). PROCESS: “Engineering Solutions for the Process Industry” is a MCSA Co-fund programme, supported by the European Commission and matching funds from national agencies: SFI and Enterprise

For several years, my research group has worked

DPTC, PMTC, SSPC and CONFIRM. PROCESS has

on mechanochemistry, which involves reactions

recruited 9 experienced international researchers

in the solid state, with little or no solvents. The

for 2-year fellowships hosted at the Bernal Institute.

research challenge is the creation of predictive

Several new academics joined the process cluster

chemical engineering mathematical models for this

since 2019, Dr Luis Padrela, Dr Vasanth Kannuchamy,

mechanochemical synthesis. The overall ambition

Dr Matthias Vandichel, Dr Orest Shardt, Dr Ahmad Albadarin and Dr Saeed Shirazian, which has contributed to the young, dynamic culture with the majority of the membership comprising of LBB, Lecturers and self-funding post-doctoral researchers.

30

Professor Gavin Walker

Ireland, through research and technology centres

“The Process Engineering cluster will aim to establish PhD co-supervision studentships between established and junior academic members of the group.”

of this research is to unlock the industrial potential of mechanochemistry to enable more efficient and greener routes for chemical synthesis, which is a central UN Sustainable Development Goal.

31

Case study

Cracking the code for continuous processing and personalised medicine

The Process Engineering Cluster, (PROC) are changing how we train chemical engineers,

BIO MATERIALS CLUSTER

impacting industry competitiveness, and attracting R&D investment into Ireland. The Process

Total Publications in 2020: 100*

Engineering Lab at the Bernal Institute is the only

Members in Cluster: 20

Personalised medicine is the next great

academic lab in Ireland with an industrial scale,

Cluster leader: Dr Andreas Grabrucker

global challenge for the pharmaceutical

fully ventilated laboratory space and state-of-

Deputy Leaders: Dr John Mulvihill and

industry. The vision of the pharmacy of the

the art analytical equipment. Both wet and dry

Dr Elizabeth Ryan

future is one in which pharmacies employ

chemistry facilities are available and the lab

*Including cross cluster publications

disruptive technologies to enable on-demand

operates industry-standard quality systems (to

manufacture of drugs designed to individual

the 5S methodology). In this environment, industry

needs. For example, multiple medications may

can be confident the solutions provided meet

In the 21st century, tackling grand challenges in

be prescribed that treat a patient’s exact age-

global standards. In addition, the availability of

the area of human health and wellbeing is going

to deliver minimally invasive and safer

profile and medical history. These medications

industrial-size equipment ensures that solutions

through a revolution. There is a growing consensus

therapeutic treatment and surgery,

could then be 3D printed into one tablet, on-

are brought quickly to the factory-floor.

that an integrated and holistic approach is needed

leading to higher patient comfort, greater

Specific goals for BIO 1. Develop new robust and sensitive analytical technologies using organoids and other structured bio materials.

2. Develop multifunctional bio materials

to converge the understanding and diagnoses of

therapeutic success and lower health cost

Process analytical technology and modelling is used

disease processes to enable more personalised

(less follow-up surgery).

Central to this vision is the concept of continuous

by PROC to foster a fuller understanding of the

and preventive medicine. Treatments will have to

processing. Currently, active pharmaceutical

process and to control outputs. The cluster aims

be individualised because each person’s genetic

ingredients (APIs) are manufactured in large

to cut the capital and operation costs of processes

code may require designing targeted molecular

materials through modelling, targeted

batches at distinctly separate times. Continuous

in half. This will have the effect of enabling millions

and cellular therapies. Diseases develop within the

design and subsequent manufacturing.

processing replaces this large-batch process

of new patients in emerging markets and the

local structure of body parts and spread through

with the manufacture of lower volumes but

developing world to benefit from the dramatically

a complex biological hierarchy, starting from the

at a constant rate. This process enables the

improved availability of medicine and nutrition

molecular building blocks towards cells, tissues

continuous flow of product, reduces inventories,

(health) and worldwide access to affordable clean

and organs. Our bio-science and bio-engineering

and has less batch-to-batch variation, giving

energy. Furthermore, the cluster aims to reduce the

researchers work together with medical professionals

higher process control and higher quality.

waste generation and net energy consumption of

to develop tools, methodologies and therapies to

manufacturing processes by 2.5% year on year for

solve pertinent medical and healthcare problems.

demand at the patient’s local drug supplier.

3. Develop advanced, multifunctional bio

five years, which will mean that Irish and European (carbon) emission targets are met, leading to a

We develop and apply disruptive technologies

substantial contribution to reducing global warming.

using custom designed and state-of-the-art equipment essential for the development of bioactive materials and medical devices which will in turn ensure the wellbeing and health of society.

Dr. Marina Steiner-Browne

Senior Research Fellow, PMTC, Dr David Egan

32

33

Interview with Dr Andreas Grabrucker, Bio Materials Cluster Leader Q: You are an authority in the field of genetic and non-genetic contributors to neuronal dysfunction and in the development of novel treatment strategies for brain diseases and dysfunctions, why did you choose to pursue your research in Neuroscience at the Bernal Institute?

brain organoid in the lab; and this is just an example

established in 2017 under

from my own research. I know that my colleagues

the leadership of Tewfik

have achieved similar or even more progress in their work. Through working together, sharing equipment,

Soulimane, Chair for Molecular

and our combined efforts to perform high-quality research; today, the Bio Materials Cluster is an internationally competitive research group.

Dr Andreas Grabrucker

Structural Biology, Head of Department of Chemical Sciences and Head of the

Q: What is the top scientific discovery from the Bio Materials Cluster?

we nurture scientific culture. We need to come

want to work with cell biologists, biochemists, and

The Bio Materials Cluster covers a broad area

come together, chat about their work, rant on

food scientists in fundamental research projects to

of research. We had great discoveries in many

about teaching load, and most importantly, develop

develop novel model systems for brain diseases to

areas, from biopiezoelectricity to developing life-

new ideas; whether it is Sunday or Monday, 2pm

understand molecular and cellular pathomechanisms.

saving therapies for sepsis which gained attention

or 1 am. Hopefully, post pandemic, we will do this

But we also want to work with bioengineers and

and attracted significant funding. Top scientific

once again and enjoy more academic freedom. The

pharmaceutical biotechnologists, for example, around

discovery is seldom owned by one Cluster. It results

Bernal Institute and Bio Materials Cluster should

manufacturing technologies

drug delivery using nanotechnology, to use the

from an institutional, national, and/or international

be a vibrant place to meet because this is how

knowledge we gain from our fundamental research

collaboration. The Cluster is there to support, but

projects are developed and new collaborations are

for a wide range of molecular

and then translate this into treatment strategies by

it is the group of researchers, inside and outside

formed which are the basis of success in science.

developing drugs and bio materials that can be tested

Bernal, that make the discovery. Personally, I

immediately in our biomimetics for the diseases. This

think any invention or discovery, any scientific

requires a broad range of expertise and equipment,

result that is published and becomes part of the

which we have under one roof in the Bernal Institute,

knowledge of humanity, is important. Therefore,

where I am not one among fifty neuroscientists that

I am hesitant to pick and highlight one scientific

perform basic research, but where I can benefit from

discovery. Bernal Principal Investigators are all

the expert opinions of my colleagues who have a

experts in their fields, many of them world-renowned

Being a neuroscientist, I am in the fortunate

broad range of research interest and knowledge,

researchers who make top scientific discoveries.

position that so much is still unknown about

remains a strong support

the inner workings of our brain, and so many

and mentor to the cluster.

My goal was always to perform translational research.

To do this, my team and I need to be in an environment that is interdisciplinary and open to collaboration. We

and who contribute so many valuable ideas.

Q: What has the Bio Materials Cluster achieved to date?

34

The Bio Materials cluster was

Q: What are your ambitions for the Bio Materials Cluster for 2021?

together in Journal Clubs, seminars, and in general, we need to let the spirit of science in by creating a space where Cluster members can informally

School of Natural Sciences. It boasts an impressive portfolio of characterisation and imaging technologies, modelbased analysis and design, and

bio materials. In 2020 Professor Soulimane made

Q: What scientific goal or unsolved challenge do you as an individual want to achieve?

open research questions remain that I will certainly not run out of scientific goals. As a PhD student, I worked closely with patients with very rare diseases with symptoms such as autism or intellectual disability (sometimes with

I want us all to be successful, and in science, this

less than 2000 individuals affected worldwide

When I joined in 2017, the Biolabs were practically

means publishing many studies in high-impact

by the disorder): apart from contributing to

empty rooms. Within an incredibly short time the

journals, receiving lots of funding, filing patents,

solving the puzzle of what causes the diseases,

Bernal Bio Labs were established, functional, fully

and creating spin-out companies. Being part of a

I would like to see my research impacting the

operational and one of the best-equipped labs I have

Cluster such as the Bio Materials Cluster will facilitate

lives of these families. Therefore, some of my

ever worked in. The Bernal Biolabs received the Irish

success, my ambition is to create a climate where

research shifted towards bringing our advances

Laboratory Award in 2020 for best Irish start-up

every researcher, from PhD student to senior PI,

in drug development and delivery to the market

laboratory of the year. We came from growing simple

finds him/herself in a community that works together

through commercial approaches. Last year, I

cancer cell lines to developing complex 3D organs

towards these goals. I believe that being a scientist

won an EI commercialisation feasibility grant

on a chip derived from human stem cells in just a

and researcher is more than a job; it is an attitude

and I hope that I will continue to progress

few years. Today, I can grow a miniature 3D human

towards life. I would like to establish a climate where

in this direction over the coming years.

the decision to focus solely on leading the Department of Chemical Sciences, he

The Department of Chemical Sciences is an integral part of the Bernal research institute, providing approximately 40% of its academic members.

35

Case study

Dr Jakki Cooney shares her journey to starting UL spin-out: Cala Medical

In 2018, as Chief Scientific Officer of Cala Medical I led a consortium which was awarded over €5 million from the Irish Government’s new Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund. This funding secured approx €3 million to University of Limerick partners,

For the last 30 years my research team has used

including Dr Sarah Hudson, Dr Kieran McGourty and

a multipronged approach to investigate bacterial

Professor Edmond Magner. The group combines

proteases. It was a journey driven by simple

my expertise in proteases with expertise in

curiosity – how do the proteases work? However,

formulation and cell biology to harness the power of

I believe when an opportunity to pay society back

proteases as a new therapeutic strategy, displacing

is presented through our research, we have to do

monoclonal antibody therapies across a range

it – even if you have no commercial skills. So with

of inflammatory diseases. Cala Medical is now

support from my long-suffering lab partner, Dr Todd

maturing as a company, and two of the founders

Kagawa, and an old friend with business skills, Dr

have returned to Academia and with them a wealth

Brian Noonan, I took a step in 2013 to commercialize

of knowledge (and scars!) which hopefully will be

our work. I have heard again and again that team

of use to the community in the Bernal. Would I do it

is key, it is. And the team was broader than the

again? The same rule still applies, as an academic

main faces involved, with support from Professor

I owe my livelihood to the taxpayers of the world, if

Sean Arkins, the TTO and research office, lots

our work can save a life, do I really have a choice?

of colleagues in UL going out on a limb for us, being key to getting things going. We secured a 3 year €0.56 million Commercialization Fund from Enterprise Ireland which resulted in us founding Cala Medical in 2017. The company was named after the local area, Caladh an Treoigh, and invokes the concept of the sanctuary of the harbour in a storm. Based on research from the Department of Biological Sciences and the Bernal Institute, the

Dr Jakki Cooney

patented technology is a first in class catalytic medical device, using an immobilized protease, ScpA to target and destroy the complement component C5a. The first indications for use are in calming the cytokine storm that occurs in sepsis, with the aspiration of improving outcomes for patients with this life threatening condition.

Unzipping the lipid cubic phase to release the therapeutic effect

by PhD researcher, Michele Dully, Bio Materials cluster.

The illustration shows the controlled release of hydrophobic pharmaceuticals. Here, the release of poorly-soluble clofazimine is shown, driven by modulated enzymatic degradation of the lipid-matrix.

36

37

Research Centres Bernal hosts three national translational research centres and actively collaborates with six others.

The three hosted research centres are: • SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals • EI-funded Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) • EI-funded Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology (PMTC)

calculates the crystallinity index of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from Raman spectral data.

SSPC’s Education and Public Engagement (EPE) programme plays a key role in communicating

SSPC, SFI (SCIENCE FOUNDATION IRELAND) RESEARCH CENTRE FOR PHARMACEUTICALS

the importance and value of science to the wider society in Ireland. The programme reaches global proximity through partnerships on EU projects with EU partners, such as Diversity in Science for Social Inclusion (DiSSI) project funded by the Erasmus+ Social inclusion and common values programme.

Additionally, Educating Science Teachers for All (ESTA) project, funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity

SSPC, is a hub of Irish research expertise

building in Higher Education programme.

developing innovative technologies to address

As a centre SSPC ran 179 (EPE) events in 2020.

key challenges facing the pharmaceutical and

This year SSPC introduced the Limerick Lab

biopharmaceutical industry. SSPC generated 143

Box – Handwashing Edition, a new initiative in

publications and reviews throughout 2020.

conjunction with the Department of Nursing and

SSPC manages 68 projects across their 5 thematic

Midwifery, University of Limerick. The lab box was

research areas, working with nine higher-education

delivered to 40 secondary schools in Limerick

institutes (HEIs). In addition, SSPC has collaborated

and surrounding areas for Science Week.

on 29 industry-led projects. Some completed projects with Bernal researchers include collaborations between Scale-up Systems and Professor Harry van den Akker and Dr Javad Zeinali, on a CFD study on the hydrodynamics of commonly used lab-scale reactor systems under typical operating conditions. Dr Rana Sanii worked with Alkermes on the Limit of detection and quantification of polymorphs of drug substances,

Connectivity through the centres and through liaison with other

and Dr Patrick Cronin and Dr Hamza Ismail who

established industrial partners provides Bernal with established industrial

completed an API characterisation project with Eli Lilly.

partners and excellent links to over 100 Irish and international companies.

SSPC Co-Directors secured €3.3 million funding

This underlines the translational research potential of the Institute.

under the SFI Infrastructure Award, Professor Gavin Walker, was granted €1.9 million to develop

EI-FUNDED PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (PMTC)

The three national centres hosted within Bernal are affiliated to one or more

a national advanced drug product manufacturing

of the research clusters and boast their own Bernal-based support staff

facility, improving Irish competitiveness on an

The Technology Centre programme is a joint

but with a national brief to support the broader centre activities.

international level. An investment of over €1.4

initiative between Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland,

million has been awarded to Professor Michael

allowing Irish companies and multinationals to

Zaworotko to develop a Centre for In-Situ

work together on market focused strategic R&D

Characterisation of Advanced Materials (CISCAM):

projects in collaboration with research institutions.

In-Situ Powder X-ray Diffraction Suite.

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre (PMTC) based in the Bernal Institute provides

38

SSPC received funding for Novel inhalable antiviral

advanced technology solutions for the pharmaceutical

drugs to tackle Covid-19 working with Trinity

manufacturing sector in collaboration with industry.

College Dublin, Waterford Institute of Technology

Its research is industry-led which ensures it remains

and Teva Pharmaceuticals and was part of the

relevant and can deliver impact for participating

COVID alliance responding to HSE crisis requests.

companies. Through its collaborative research model,

Another key impact of SSPC is the creation of a

PMTC effectively co-creates innovative solutions and

unique talent pipeline and delivering researchers

advanced methodologies that solve current industry

outputs. PhD researcher, Ana Luiza Pinto

challenges for pharmaceutical manufacturing in

Queiroz, who has since taken up a position in

the following areas: plant cleaning, process control

APC, created an app called McCrystal which

& optimisation and data analytics & utilisation.

39

PMTC research improves member companies’

The DPTC Phase 2 officially began in August 2020,

Research highlights from the DPTC in the last year

efficiency, productivity and delivery methods,

and is supported by a €14m contribution from EI, to be

include a successful translation of research output

helping to increase profitability and sustainability.

matched by industry and competitively-won funding.

to industry: researchers at DPTC (Akeem Olaleye,

During 2020, Technology Centres among other

The vision for DPTC Phase 2 is ‘To be the Leading

transferred a “digital twin” Industry 4.0 technology

Technology Centre for Dairy Processing Innovation,

in particulate processing to Nestle’s corporate R&D

driving Irish Dairy Processors in becoming Global

facility in Switzerland through EI, SFI Infrastructure

Market Leaders of Sustainable, Quality Dairy

and industrial investment, SSPC and CONFIRM

Ingredients’. The objective of DPTC Phase 2 is to

funding, highlighting the effect of interdisciplinary

provide a step change to Irish dairy processors with

research within the Bernal Institute to address

high quality pre-competitive research that is driven

the UN Sustainability Goal in Health via improved

Ehab Romeih and Gavin Walker) successfully research centres played a pivotal role in Ireland’s fight against Covid-19. PMTC and Bernal Institute as part of a consortium of researchers including Trinity College Dublin, Waterford Institute of Technology and Teva Pharmaceuticals are collaborating on a project

EI-FUNDED DAIRY PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (DPTC)

to research inhalable formulations of existing antiviral drugs to target Covid-19. If successful, this research

Since our foundation in 2014, the DPTC (Dairy

by industry needs and which delivers significant

infant nutrition products to “Ensure healthy lives

could speed up the dissemination and effectiveness

Processing Technology Centre) has contributed

technical impact and economic value for the sector.

and promote well-being for all at all ages”.

of treatment for the virus, improving patient outcomes

significantly to the success of the Irish dairy

Building on the platform of successful collaboration

and reducing burden on health systems globally.

processing sector. Through enhanced focused on

and research-based innovation established in Phase

cost-efficient processing and by creating, validating

1, the Centre will play a crucial role in ensuring the

As the industry strives toward the next industrial

and commercialising a pipeline of science and

long-term sustainability of the industry. Integration of

revolution, Industry 4.0, it is evident that there is

technology based manufacturing platforms for

industry into the national circular economy will also

an increasing worldwide drive for organisations

dairy ingredients, the DPTC supports its partners in

play a key part of the Centre’s future endeavours.

to readily access, analyse and derive value

increasing the amount of high-quality dairy products

from their data to assure business growth. The

they create for the domestic and export markets.

The proposed research programme was developed via a comprehensive, industry-led, strategic R&D

greater implementation of data analytics across the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical

For the first five years, our research programme

process and resulted in the development of an

manufacturing sectors has the potential to deliver

covered five pillars – from sustainability to cost

integrated, cohesive framework consisting of a

more value for both business and patient.

competitiveness, process development to product

‘Total Process Chain Approach to Excellence in

The PMTC, in collaboration with industry partners,

innovation, underpinned by quality and safety.

Dairy Processing’. The research programme will

has produced a guide which describes real world

The programme supported 34 core projects and

consist of two interconnected, multidisciplinary

case studies and reflects on these in the context

12 extension projects, and resulted in multiple

competency based ‘Research Focus Areas’; RFA 1

of extensive literature review with due regard for

publications, hundreds of reports (+580), multiple

- Milk Composition Driven Adaptive Processing

current regulatory requirements. The guide has

training events, patents and licenses. Our

(MCDAP) and RFA 2 - Sustainable Milk Processing

been created with over 400 hours of industry

programme delivered significant impact to our

(SMP) with a complementary Enabling Platform

interactions, written case studies and reviews. To

industry partners and generated an extra €9.2m

Dairy Process and Engineering Test Bed (DPETB),

capture the current needs and expectations of the

in competitive funding. DPTC was also pivotal in

which will provide technical and engineering

wider pharma industry, the format, content and

winning the University of Limerick’s first H2020

support to both Research Focus Areas.

objective of the guide was informed through industry

MSCA European Training Network (ETN) with Prof.

focus groups, surveys, workshops, interviews, and

JJ Leahy. The Project called ‘Reflow’ will address

The DPTC is delighted to work with the following

case studies. The manufacture of safe medicines

the technical and socioeconomic challenges

UL PIs over the next 5 years: Dr Ehab Romeih,

requires considerable regulatory oversight, adding

associated with the recovery of phosphorous from

Professor Gavin Walker, Professor Conor Ryan,

complexity not reflected in other sectors, and so,

dairy processing waste water and its recycling into

Dr Orest Shardt, Professor Vivek Ranade,

the guide was reviewed in consultation with the

fertiliser products enabling sustainable expansion of

Dr Mark Southern, Professor JJ Leahy,

Health Products Regulatory Authority of Ireland.

the dairy industry in Europe. The Dairy Processing

Dr Alan Ryan and Dr Patrick Cronin.

Funding wins in DPTC in 2020 include: • €240k EI IPP with Professor Dick FitzGerald (UL); • CareerFIT Fellowships – seven awarded to DPTC, with a total value of €1.3m; • Three Capital Equipment Call awards, (one from UL, Martin Wilkinson), with a value of €0.6m); • A FIRM award (Elaine O’Meara, €0.6m); • An EC grant – EU DiTECT (UCD, €0.25m).

Technology Centre – Phase 1 – drew to a close in PMTC continues to grow and we invite new members

July 2020, after a very successful five years.

to engage together with our 30 existing member companies who work with us to identify common

The second phase of the DPTC was officially

challenges and work collaboratively to solve them

approved for funding by Enterprise Ireland in March

through research and development helping to ensure

2020. This outcome was welcomed by the eight

success, sustainability and job creation for the

industry partners and seven RPOs that worked hard

pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Ireland.

together in an iterative process to develop a cohesive, integrated research programme that continues to meet the demands and needs of our sector.

40

41

Research Highlights Bernal Institute secured €2.5m in European Research Council funding

‘By making simple changes, we can have a positive impact on climate change’ Professor JJ Leahy JJ Leahy, associate professor in UL’s Department of Chemical Sciences and a member of the Bernal Institute, is the energy and transport expert for the RTE TV Series ‘What Planet Are You On’, which focuses on getting households to take part in the fight against Bernal Chair in Pharmaceutical Powder Engineering, Professor Gavin Walker

climate change by reducing their carbon footprint.

Professor Leahy has a strong background in circular bioeconomy and applied biofuels research;

Bernal Chair in Crystal Engineering, Professor Michael Zaworotko

he is associated with MaREI – the SFI Research Bernal Chair of Pharmaceutical Powder Engineering

Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine - and

and Co-Director of SSPC, Professor Gavin Walker,

SFI’s Bioeconomy centre. This collaboration with

In March 2020 Bernal Chair in Crystal Engineering

will receive €1.9m to develop a national advanced

industry and commitment to reducing our carbon

Michael Zaworotko was awarded almost €2.5m in

drug product manufacturing facility to facilitate

footprint has led to two start-up biofuel companies

ERC Advanced Grant funding. University of Limerick

industrial collaboration and support SSPC research

as well as currently leading two EU projects on the

received two awards of €2.5m each, these are the first

projects with industrial and academic partners.

Circular Bioeconomy, REFLOW and BIOWILL.

ERC Advanced Grants to be hosted at the University.

Professor Walker will lead the team helping to bridge

In total €450 million was awarded for long-term

the challenging engineering and scientific gap for

REFLOW involves academic and industrial

frontier research to 185 researchers by the ERC, the

process scale-up from lab to manufacturing.

organisations in seven countries, focusing

premiere European funding organisation, as part of the

on the recycling of phosphorous from the

EU research and innovation programme Horizon 2020.

“The move towards continuous manufacturing

wastewater solids in dairy factories and using

will be the next major innovation for the

it as a CE marked fertilizer components.

Professor Michael Zaworotko, Bernal Chair of

pharmaceutical industry and it’s essential that

Crystal Engineering and Science Foundation Ireland

the Irish pharmaceutical manufacturing industry

The BIOWILL project aims to be a flagship for rural

Research Professor at University of Limerick’s

move towards continuous processing to remain

Ireland through a zero-waste biorefinery utilising all

globally competitive.” said Professor Walker.

parts of willow trees to produce high to medium based

Bernal Institute, was awarded almost €2.5m for

“These processes collectively use around 20%

his project ‘SYNSORB – SYNergistic SORBents’.

of global energy supplies and demand for water

Professor Zaworotko, said his project “will address the

and industrial commodities continues to grow. Our

“The implementation of continuous pharmaceutical

form of biomethane production and natural fertilisers.

high energy footprint of gas and vapour purification by

goal is to discover and develop new sorbents that

processes is an opportunity to substantially

BioWILL was awarded €909,057 from Interreg

single-step purification processes that involve the use

reduce the energy footprint of these processes by

reduce costs, reduce manufacturing times and

North-West Europe Programme, the project consists

of a new generation of solid materials called sorbents.

50-90%, thereby significantly reducing the energy

bring medicines quickly to market, improve

of 10 partners in four countries across Europe.

and, in turn, carbon footprint of these processes.”

product defects, and encourage innovation by

“These sorbents act like sponges for impurities

biochemicals/materials and renewable energy in the

an integrated manufacturing approach.”

by capturing them spontaneously and releasing

ERC Advanced Grants support established,

them upon mild heating.

leading principal investigators that want long-

“This research infrastructure, will build on

term funding to pursue a ground-breaking, high-

the University of Limerick’s reputation of

“The most important vapour is water vapour. Water

risk project. Advanced Grants may be awarded

internationally leading research in pharmaceutical

vapour is everywhere in the atmosphere, even in the

up to €2.5 million for a period of 5 years.

manufacturing at the Bernal Institute.”

Professor JJ Leahy

most arid regions, but harvesting pure water from The new Advanced Drug Product Manufacturing

water vapour using existing desiccants uses so much

Advanced Drug Product Manufacturing Facility to be developed at Bernal Institute

Facility will deliver a suite of next generation process

“Gases such as CO2 and acetylene are impurities in

SSPC, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)

environment; an addition to SSPC’s significant

commodity production and must be removed using

Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, hosted

capability in upstream continuous processing for

processes that typically involve chemical reactions.

at the Bernal Institute, will soon have access

active pharmaceutical ingredient production.

energy that it is not commercially viable despite the water stresses faced by much of humanity.

equipment to foster industrial collaboration on drug product manufacturing within the academic

to a suite expanding the research capabilities at UL through SFI Infrastructure Awards.

42

43

Three Bernal Institute Researchers awarded funding under the SFI Ireland Frontiers for the Future programme

develop these powerful dual acting peptides into

In November 2020, Minister for Further and Higher

traditional small molecule antimicrobials at the core

Education, Research, Innovation and Science,

with positively and negatively charged layers.

potential novel antibiotics using modular antimicrobial peptide delivery systems. These modular systems will be composed of lipid systems or crystals of

Simon Harris, announced 71 grants valued at €53 million to support frontier research across

Professor Noel O’Dowd

12 Higher Education Institutions, including UL.

received €726,368 under

The Bernal Institute received close to €1.5m

the awards stream. His

in research funding under the programme

project is ‘Physically-based

for three projects. The awardees are Bernal

modelling of bainitic and

Institute Members and SSPC Researchers, Dr

martensitic steels for flexible

Sarah Hudson and Dr Luis Padrela, UL Chair of

and sustainable power

Mechanical Engineering, Professor Noel O’Dowd.

generation and distribution (PrOCCESS)’. This study will

The MORE-AMP project led by Dr Sarah Hudson

lead to improved materials

was awarded €479,501 under the awards

and optimised processes

stream, to design innovative systems that

for power generation and

will convert novel antibiotic power into stable

distribution leading to an overall

therapies for treatment of bacterial infections.

reduction in carbon emission

It is estimated that antimicrobial resistance could

and reduction in climate change

cause 10 million deaths a year by 2050. Many

impacts for the power generation and

of the old reliable antibiotics are now becoming

distribution industry. The project partners are

ineffective and the number of new antimicrobial

industry: ESB, Wood Group (based in Galway),

drugs being brought to the market has declined

GE (based in UK) and university: NUI Galway,

rapidly over the past decade. This coupled with the

American University of Beirut, Lebanon.

Professor Noel O’Dowd

non-prudent use of existing antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Skyscrapers by Dr Shiqiang Wang Second place prize winner in the 2020 British Association for Crystal Growth (BACG) Image Competition

Dr Luis Padrela was awarded €216,416 under the awards stream. His project is

However, there are a collection of powerful

‘Controlled Nucleation for the Continuous

antimicrobial peptides that act in tandem to

Crystallization of Nanopharmaceuticals’.

orchestrate the disruption of bacterial cell membranes,

Poor solubility and polymorphism of new Active

none of which have been exploited as antibiotics.

Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) represent major

This collaborative research with Bernal’s Professor

challenges in pharmaceutical science and engineering

Damien Thompson, Professors Hill and Ross both

for the manufacture of drug substances. There is

from Teagasc and UCC, and Professor Alonso from

a need for efficient manufacturing and formulation

the University of Santiago de Compostela, aims to

approaches which are capable of producing medicines

Dr Luis Padrela

with appropriate solubility and bioavailability.

Nanotechnologies hold a great promise to overcome these physicochemical barriers, however, existing processes to produce drug nanoparticles face many technical difficulties including lack of control on the solid state and particle size of the products, and on their formulation onto the final medicines (e.g. tablets, capsules).

Dr Sarah Hudson

This collaborative project with Bernal’s Professor

44

Kevin M. Ryan and Professor Damien Thompson will provide an important contribution towards the transition from batch to continuous manufacturing for the manufacture of advanced nanopharmaceuticals.

45

Bernal Community 65

174

20

BERNAL MEMBERS

PhD STUDENTS

BERNAL OPERATIONS STAFF / INSTRUMENT SCIENTISTS / TECHNICAL STAFF

11

LEADERSHIP TEAM

99

BERNAL COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020

Dr Jennifer Cookman was

Dr Michele Conroy was

Dr Xinxin Xiao from Professor

awarded the Irish Research

recipient of the 2020

Edmond Magner’s group

Council New Foundations

Microscopy Society of

won a Chinese Government

Award; Knowledge Exchange

America Postdoctoral Award.

Award for Outstanding Self-

for Impact for her work on

In addition, Dr Conroy was

Financed Students Abroad.

magnetic field dependant

also awarded a University

This is in addition to getting

crystal growth in liquid phase

Research Fellowship by the

the RIA Kathleen Lonsdale

electron microscopy.

Royal Society in July 2020,

prize for best chemistry

the only Irish recipient of the

thesis last year.

award.

POSTDOCTORAL STAFF

The Bernal Institute is home to over 450 students

within Bernal. The instrument scientist staff are

and staff. At the research level there are 65 Principal

responsible for the maintenance and operation

Investigators (PIs). These are charged with leading

of the €50million characterisation equipment

the research programme across our four research

suite and training of researchers on same. The

strands. These PIs primarily are situated within the

technical staff support laboratory operations as

Faculty of Science Engineering and report to four

well as Health and Safety. The operations team

main departments or schools; the Department of

support external engagement, administrative

Chemical Sciences, the Department of Physics,

and post award activities of the Institute.

the Department of Biological Sciences and the School of Engineering. The PIs are responsible

Bernal is also host of three National Centres;

for the outputs of 99 Postdoctoral staff and

Science Foundation Ireland’s Research Centre for

174+ PhD students who work within Bernal.

Pharmaceuticals (SSPC) as well as Enterprise Ireland’s Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) and

Supporting the research cohort is a team

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre

of 20 Instrument Scientists, technical and

(PMTC). These centres which have a national brief are

administrative staff. These report centrally

supported by 15 staff who are housed within Bernal.

Guang Ren was awarded the

Marie Curie Fellow, Dr Ibrahim

In June 2020, two early

‘Chinese Government Award

Saana Aminu was accepted

stage researchers received

for Outstanding Students

to attend the 70th Lindau

Fulbright Scholarships to

Abroad’ for his PhD work

Nobel Laureate Meeting

the US. The awardees are

which is supervised by Dr

which, due to the Coronavirus

Aleksandra Serafin, PhD

Maurice Collins. The Chinese

restrictions, has been

student with Dr Maurice

Government award for

rescheduled to 27 June-2

Collins and Dylan Storan, PhD

outstanding students abroad

July 2021. Only the 600 most

student with Professor Kevin

is an academic award that

qualified young scientists

M. Ryan. The researchers

was established by the China

are given the opportunity to

will visit the University of

Scholarship Council in 2003.

enrich and share the unique

California San Diego and

The recipients are chosen

atmosphere of the Lindau

University of North Carolina

annually based on a record of

Nobel Laureate Meetings.

respectively.

outstanding accomplishments

In order to participate in

in any discipline. This award

a meeting, the scientists

is considered the highest

have to pass a multi-step

award given by the Chinese

application and selection

Government to PhD students

process.

studying outside China.

46

47

Dr Sarah Hudson, Ms Aisling

Dr Mario Culebras received

Professor Tofail Syed was

Dr Angelika Holzinger was

PhD student Sumair Imtiaz

Dr Michele Conroy of the

Arthur and Dr Edel Durack of

the Young Researcher

elected to the Administrative

awarded an Irish Research

of the Bernal Institute won

Bernal Institute was awarded

the Bernal Institute were part

Sustainable Chemistry

Committee of the Dielectrics

Council (IRC) Postdoctoral

Best Poster on Materials

as PI (Professor Ursel

of the ‘COVID Alliance’ for

(SusChem) Award from the

and Electrical Insulation

Fellowship to continue her

& Structures at the

Bangert as collaborator) the

the development of the Lysis

Spanish Federation of the

Society (DEIS) of the

work with Dr Micheál Scanlon

#MaREI2020 Symposium.

continuation grant of the

Buffer synthesis in 2020.

Chemical Industry for his

Institute of Electrical and

in ‘Electrosynthesis and

Sumair’s research focuses

Berkeley National Laboratory.

The ‘Alliance’ was shortlisted

work on sustainable carbon

Electronics Engineers

Advanced Characterisation

on the synthesis and

These continuation grants

for the Engineers Ireland

materials.

(IEEE). IEEE is the leading

of Conductive Polymer/

characterisation of electrode

are only awarded by the

‘Engineering Endeavour

professional association in

nanoparticle Nanocomposites

materials for rechargeable

US Department of Energy

of 2020’ award under the

the world.

at Electrified Soft Interfaces

batteries.

after results from the initial

category focused on the

for Sensor and Polymer Solar

grant are deemed successful

national COVID response.

Cell Applications’. In addition,

and worth reinvestment in

Dr Holzinger was a recipient

longer collaboration funding

of the President’s Staff

by an international panel of

Excellence Award which

scientists (December 2020).

recognises the commitment, passion and hard work of UL staff. Four Bernal affiliated postgraduate students were also awarded IRC Postgraduate Scholarships – Alice Parkes (supervisor Composites researchers

SSPC, the Science Foundation

neoMimix, a project led by

Seán Carey, PhD student,

Ireland Research Centre

Dr Sean Fair was announced

Ciarán McHale, PhD student,

for Pharmaceuticals based

as a winner of the EIT Health

supervisors Dr Vincenzo

in the Bernal Institute, ran

Headstart competition. In

Oliveri and Professor Paul

a national primary school

collaboration with Dr David

Weaver won third place

competition, called Back

Newport and Professor

for the Best Student

Yard Science, receiving over

Leonard O’Sullivan, the

Hardware competition

800 entries over 4 weeks

team are working towards

at the American Society

from Irish students. SSPC

a spin-out company to

of Mechanical Engineers

also hosted a national 3-day

commercialise the technology

ASME (The American Society

virtual PhD Summit on STEM

and the prestigious EIT

of Mechanical Engineers),

Communication, to enhance

Health Headstart competition

SMASIS 2020 virtual

and develop awareness and

supports the most innovative

conference. SMASIS is an

understanding of the broad

European start-ups to

annual leading conference

area of communication,

accelerate their market

on adaptive structures and

along with a range of tools

launch.

materials systems.

and transferable skills that

Dr Emmet O’Reilly), Chiara De Benedictis (supervisor Dr Andreas Grabrucker), Ciara Leahy (supervisors Professor Paul Murray and Dr Patrick Kiely) and Mannthalah Abubaker (supervisors Dr David Newport and Dr John Mulvihill).

participants will be able to use when communicating to a range of audiences.

48

Thermal excitation for laser shearography measurements taking place in the Composites laboratory

49

Overview of YESBernal

The role of YESBernal

Main Achievements of 2020

The goal of the YESBernal team is to provide tools

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the YESBernal team

The Young Engineers and Scientists of the Bernal

to enhance the transition of early researchers into

established the YESBernal Friday CoffeeMorning

Institute (YESBernal) were established in February

the Bernal Institute to prosper their professional

as a virtual event, namely the YESBernal Coffeenar.

2019 by a group of enthusiastic PhD students

careers, to support PhD students and Postdocs

These Coffeenars address a vast variety of topics

and Postdocs in conjunction with the Director

in their research by sharing knowledge and skills,

ranging from Bernal Cluster and Research talks to

of the Bernal Institute. The voluntary group

and to interact and connect the Bernal Community

Industrial talks (BASF, Boston Scientific, Elvesys)

consisted of 10 members ranging from graduate

beyond different clusters and research topics. The

and essential support for young researchers, like

students, postdoctoral and research assistants

team organised social and professional events aimed

wellbeing or support with literature research.

with a diversity of cultures and backgrounds.

at engaging young people in Bernal to develop both their networking and career skills. Whereas initial

Next to these webinars, YESBernal host different

Weekly team meetings are used to plan future events

social activities in 2019, such as a Bernal summer

competitions, either social Instagram challenges

and discuss further action by the YESBernal team.

barbecue, sports events (cricket, football), table

to connect and distract people during these

To sustain the YESBernal team, new members are

quizzes, team-building exercises, or speed networking

difficult times, but also more serious competitions

constantly required due to members being in the

at the YESBernal Friday Coffee Mornings, were used

such as the Writing Challenge for Post-Doctoral

final year of their PhD, due to ending contracts, or

to establish YESBernal in the Bernal Community, the

Researchers and PhD Students. This competition

for personal reasons. The diversity of the group

main focus of the work by the team is to create a

addressed actual challenges under the COVID-19

and the gender balance from various nationalities

series of professional events to address the needs

restriction and was initialized by YESBernal and

brings an energetic and enthusiastic group.

of young researchers and establishing further

the leadership team. The judging panel was

essential support (e.g. an induction day, career

formed by Dr Margaret Lawlor, Executive Director,

talks, PizzaTalks, and research presentations).

SSPC, and Sarah E. Hayes, Director, PMTC.

To verify that the activities of the YESBernal team

At the end of 2020, the YESBernal team hosted

are in conjunction with the actual interests and

the Bernal Image/Illustration Extravaganza

needs of the YESBernal community, the team

competitions, the winners were announced at the

conducts periodic surveys to get feedback on past

Bernal Research Day on January 14th 2021. The

events and adjust future activities accordingly.

team contributed to the event planning and website

The main focus of the work by the YESBernal team is set on creating new series of professional events with respect to the needs of young researchers and establishing further essential support.

The award ceremony for the Bernal Writing Challenge under social distance guidelines

www.AStruM.ie; the website showcases some of Bernal’s young engineers and scientists, their research projects and career paths.

To further establish a strong network between young Bernal researchers and the UL community in general, the YESBernal team intensified the cooperation with the Post Graduate Students’ Union (PSU) and established a PhD representative from the Bernal Institute who will join the PSU council.

Top left: Established group in February 2019 Above: YESBernal Friday Coffee Morning Left: The team in 2020 at one of the virtual group meetings

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51

Bernal Graduations in 2020 • Ahuja, Dipali, (Ake Rasmuson), Department of Chemical Sciences • Abdel Karim, Nicolas (Witold Kwapinski, J.J. Leahy) Department of Chemical Sciences • Amira, Mahdi (Patrick Kiely, Kieran McGourty) School of Medicine, Department of Chemical Science • Bible, Lorraine (Mark Davies, Finola Cliffe) School of Engineering • Brennan, Grace (Christophe Silien, Tofail Syed) Department of Physics • Cahalane, Rachel (Michael Walsh) School of Engineering • Coelho Rezende, Gustavo (David Newport) School of Engineering • Conroy, Timothy (Ronan Grimes, Maurice Collins) School of Engineering • Conway, Ciaran (Jeff Punch) School of Engineering • Courtney, Eileen (Ursel Bangert) Department of Physics • Cunningham, Sean (David Tanner, Seamus Clifford) School of Engineering

52

UL Winter Conferring Ceremony in January 2020 Dr Aisling Lynch with her Supervisor Professor Ake Rasmuson

• Dalton, Niall (Robert Lynch) Department of Physics

• Khan, Sulaiman , (David Newport) School of Engineering

• Darwish, Shaza (Gavin Walker, Denise Croker) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Kumar, Ajay (Kieran Hodnett, Sarah Hudson) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Di Carlo, Elisa (Ronan Courtney) Department of Biological Sciences

• Lestari, Monica (Matteo Lusi) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Dwyer, Kelly (Gary Walsh) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Long, Barry (Kevin M Ryan, Luis Padrela) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Fennell, Eanna (Jacques Huyghe) School of Engineering

• Lynch, Aisling (Ake Rasmuson) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Gouse Jushiddi, Mohamed (Peter Tiernan, Tofail Syed, John Mulvihill) School of Engineering/ Department of Physics

• Lyons, John (Conor McCarthy, Ronan O’Higgins, Mark Hardiman) School of Engineering

• Griffin, Ciara (Gavin Walker, Ahmad B Albadarin) School of Medicine

• Markham, Sarah (Tofail Syed, Christophe Silien) Department of Physics

• Hayes, Sheri (Patrick Kiely) School of Medicine

• Meade, Edward (Noel O’Dowd, Peter Tiernan) School of Engineering

• Kakkar, Shubhangi (Ake Rasmuson) Department of Chemical Sciences • Kavanagh, Oisin (Gavin Walker, Ahmad B Albadarin) Department of Chemical Sciences • Keshavarz, Leila (Patrick Frawley) School of Engineering

• Molina Osorio, Andres (Micheal Scanlon, Kevin M. Ryan) Department of Chemical Sciences • Moore, Kalani (Ursel Bangert, Andy Stewart) Department of Physics • Muilwijk, Corné (Harry Van Den Akker) School of Engineering

Dr Ahmad Ziaee with his daughter Minnelli at the UL Winter Conferring Ceremony in January 2020

Masters Degrees Awarded 2020 • Bhowmick, Saikat (Kevin M. Ryan) Department of Chemical Sciences • Murphy, Rachel (Fernando Rhen, J.J. Leahy) Department of Physics, Department of Chemical Sciences • Murphy, Caroline (Maurice Collins) School of Engineering • Murphy, Daniel (David Newport) School of Engineering • O’Brien, Mark (Ronan O’Higgins, Conor McCarthy) School of Engineering • O’Connell, Eoghan (Ursel Bangert) Department of Physics • O’Donnell, John (Robert Lynch, Noel Buckley) Department of Physics • Pishnamazi, Seyedeh (Gavin Walker, Maurice Collins) Department of Chemical Sciences / School of Engineering • Ren, Huan (Kevin M. Ryan & Emmet O’Reilly) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Richardson, Niamh (Jeff Punch, Eric Dalton) School of Engineering • Ross, Aisling (John Mulvihill) School of Engineering • Ryan, Aoife (JJ Leahy, Witold Kwapinski) Department of Chemical Sciences • Shaikh, Rahamatullah (Gavin Walker, Denise Croker) Department of Chemical Sciences • Wang, Shiqiang (Michael Zaworotko) Department of Chemical Sciences • Youssef Ismail, Hamza (Gavin Walker, Ahmad B Albadarin) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Carroll , Tracey (Sarah Hudson, Sean Cullen) Department of Chemical Sciences • Kaluza, Adrianna (Mike Zaworotko) Department of Chemical Sciences • Nolan, Paul (Catherine Adley, Kieran McGourty, Michael P. Ryan) Department of Chemical Sciences • Purcell, Noel (Fernando Rhen) Department of Physics • Sheridan, Gerard (David Egan, Emmet O’Reilly) Department of Chemical Sciences • Slattery, Shannon (Tony Pembroke, Michael P. Ryan) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Yousuf, Mustafa, (Patrick Frawley) School of Engineering

• Slevin, Connor (Emmet Reilly) Department or Chemical Sciences

• Ziaee, Ahmad, (Emmet O’Reilly, Gavin Walker) Department of Chemical Sciences

• Sutherland, Luke (Jeremy Robinson, David Tanner) School of Engineering

53

Equipment, Facilities and Industry Development

ENGAGEMENT MODEL

AGREEMENT OPTIONS

BEST organizes engagement into a tiered system

Facilities Access Agreement

with a first contact point on a quick solutions based

BEST can offer our Industry partners access to

service. This can be described as facilities access

Bernal experts and state of the art equipment.

and Technical Support / Consultancy. This type of

Under this agreement type BEST can offer

engagement can then progress into a collaborative

services such as materials analysis, design,

research engagement and finally a fully funded

modelling, validation, FMEA services and training

research engagement with the Institute. This

on instrumentation. This is a unique agreement as

engagement model has delivered activities in:

once trained the Industry partner can schedule

• Developing new techniques and forging an institute path to industry based problem solving • Active implementation of experimentation and academic knowledge • Direct acquisition of specific purpose research • Understanding the ever changing

THE BERNAL ENTERPRISE SERVICES TEAM The Bernal Enterprise Services Team (BEST) was established in 2019 to be the direct contact point for industry to engage with the Bernal Institute, the largest Research Institute in the University of Limerick. BEST offers a complete managed service, with various template engagement options, delivering a professional proactive service.

Industry landscape • Listening to influence the talent pipeline requirements of the Industry partners

time to use these instruments unassisted.

Projects With capability in areas such as Bio Materials, Composite Materials, Process Engineering, Molecular/Nano Materials, Surface Analysis, Thermal Suite, Microscopy and Spectroscopy, BEST can offer bespoke engagements tailored to industry needs offering maximum project flexibility.

Technical Support BEST has access to dedicated instrument scientists and state of the art equipment. These are utilized to proactively deliver results for our Industry partners. The FIB-SEM Helios G4 CX, Titan Themis,

Fully Funded

TGA, DSC, XPS Kratos ULTRA, JEOL JEM-2100F are just some of the instruments and labs used for delivering technical support to industry.

Rental Agreements Collaborative Research

BEST also provides support for our industry partners through rental of equipment.

OUTREACH Solution Services

In 2019 Minister Richard Bruton visited the Bernal Institute and availed of the opportunity to meet the researchers in the labs and extended his tour to meet the researchers and hear about their research activities.

BEST led a meeting in Dublin with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to discuss the upcoming renewable Energy Directive II transcription to Irish legislation. This was a follow up to the MoU with SkyNRG and the Bernal Institute for the research into Aviation Bio Fuels. This consultation has led to the Bernal Institute’s inclusion in the RED II consultation, delivering impact both on the

The Bernal Enterprise Services Team from left to right: Jon O’Halloran, General Manager, Bríd O’Brien May, Financial Controller, Fionnuala O’Connell, Industry Liaison, Ray O’Brien, Enterprise Manager.

54

ground and in policy enabling the technology of the future in Health, Energy and the Environment.

55

INDUSTRY DAY

The Industry day concluded with a tour of

On 16 January 2020, the Bernal Institute

of the art equipment and laboratories.

held its inaugural Industry Day themed on

Comments from attendees on the day:

the facilities, showcasing some of our state

DR SERGUEI BELOCHAPKINE – BERNAL INSTRUMENT SCIENTIST

collaboration, leadership and support. The event was an opportunity for Industry to engage

Serguei is an Instrument Scientist at the Bernal

with the Institute community, understand the

Institute. Since 2004 he has managed a multitude of

scale, diversity of the research undertaken, equipment and how to access it. The sessions included talks on funding with speakers from SFI, Enterprise Ireland, IRC and Horizon EU, a keynote speech was delivered by Marcus Horan ex Ireland International and Munster Rugby star on high performance organisations with Industry speakers from Analog Devices and MOLECULE on the impact of research emerging from the Bernal and Ireland.

Instrumentation Showcase This is a snapshot of some of the instrumentation that was demonstrated on the day:

“The lab tours were very well received with lots of our people finding out about capabilities available that they did not previously know about.”

instruments and has collaborated with hundreds of national and international researchers contributing to over 60 publications. At the moment he is responsible for TOF-SIMS (Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry), FIB (Focused Ion Beam), Magnetron Sputtering, FTIR and Gas Adsorption instrumentation.

We can be found at best@ul.ie or www.bernalinstitute.com

Titan Themis – Sub Atomic Microscope Thermal analysis Suite – DSC / TGA Transmission Electron Microscopy X-ray diffraction – Powder & Single Crystal X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy BIO Point – Laboratory – QtoF MS Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry MALDI-ToF – Matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization

“Research programme funding outline excellent whistle-stop tour highlighting some programmes that we were not aware of.”

Stages of Heterostructure Nanowire Growth by PhD researcher, Seamus Kilian, Molecular & Nano Materials cluster.

This illustration depicts the 3-stage growth process of silicon and germanium heterostructure nanowires used as anode materials for next generation Li-ion batteries.

Scanning Electron Microscopy AKTA - Protein Purification systems 3D CT X-ray Microscope Focused Ion Beam SEM Automated TapePlacement Machine – (Carbon fibre 3D printer) Atomic Force Microscopy Raman Spectroscopy

56

57

Top Decile Publications in 2020

12. Felix, M; Bascon, C; Cermeno, M; FitzGerald,

Kumar, A; Crowley, C; Kumar, N; Deng, CH;

C “Interfacial/foaming properties and

GasconPerez, V; Lusi, M; Wu, H; Zhou, W;

antioxidant activity of a silkworm (Bombyx

Zaworotko, MJ “Reversible Switching between

mori) pupae protein concentrate”,

Nonporous and Porous Phases of a New

13. Surup, GR; Nielsen, HK; Grossarth, M; Deike, R; Van den Bulcke, J; Kibleur, P; Muller, M; Ziegner, M; Yazhenskikh, E; Beloshapkin, S; Leahy, JJ; Trubetskaya, A “Effect of operating conditions

S; Shimon, LJW; Xue, B; Silien, C; Cao, Y;

P; Zhang, ZJ “Fabrication of Large Single

Thompson, D; Yang, RS; Tofail, SAM; Gazit,

Crystals for Platinum-Based Linear Polymers

E “Accelerated charge transfer in water-

with Controlled-Release and Photoactuator

layered peptide assemblies”, Energy and

Performance”, Angewandte Chemie -

Environmental Science 13(1), pp. 96-101

International Edition 58(51), pp. 18634-18640 2. Katsaros, G; Pandey, DS; Horvat, A; Almansa, GA;

7. Conroy, T; Collins, MN; Grimes, R “A review of steady-state thermal and mechanical modelling

Fryda, LE; Leahy, JJ; Tassou, SA “Experimental

on tubular solar receivers”, Renewable and

investigation of poultry litter gasification

Sustainable Energy Reviews 119,109591

and co-gasification with beech wood in a bubbling fluidised bed reactor - Effect of equivalence ratio on process performance and tar evolution”, Fuel 262,116660 3. Di Carlo, E; Boullemant, A; Courtney, R “Ecotoxicological risk assessment of revegetated bauxite residue: Implications for future rehabilitation programmes”, Science of the Total Environment 698,134344 4. Daghighi, S; Rouhi, M; Zucco, G; Weaver, PM “Bend-free design of ellipsoids of revolution using variable stiffness composites”, Composite Structures 233,111630 5. McHale, C; Hadjiloizi, DA; Telford, R; Weaver, PM “Morphing composite cylindrical lattices: Enhanced modelling and experiments”, Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 135,103779

8. Hassan, J; Feser, T; O’Higgins, RM; Waimer, M; McCarthy, CT; Toso, N; Byrne, ME; McCarthy, MA “Energy absorption capability of composite bolted joints undergoing extended bearing failure”, Composite Structures 237,111868 9. O’Brien, AC; Purfield, DC; Judge, MM; Long, C; Fair, S; Berry, DP “Population structure and breed composition prediction in a multibreed sheep population using genomewide single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes”, Animal 14(3), pp. 464-474 10. Propolsky, D; Romanovskaia, E; Kwapinski, W; Romanovski, V “Modified activated carbon for deironing of underground water” Environmental Research 182,108996 11. Wang, HR; Han, L; Zheng, D; Yang, MF; Andaloussi, YH; Cheng, P; Zhang, ZJ; Ma, SQ; Zaworotko, MJ; Feng, YF; Chen, Y “Protein-StructureDirected Metal-Organic Zeolite-like Networks as Biomacromolecule Carriers”, Angewandte Chemie - International Edition 59(15), pp. 6263-6267

58

Chemical Society 142(15), pp. 6896-6901 22. Hurley, D; Davis, M; Walker, GM; Lyons, JG;

manganese oxide or quartz charcoal pellets for the

on the Degree of Crystallinity, Solid-State

use in ferroalloy industries”, Energy 193,116736

Properties, and Dissolution Rate of Multi-

McCarthy, MA; McCarthy, CT “Evaluation of

Yan, J; Zaworotko, MJ; Xu, J; Chen, Y; Cheng,

Flexible Linker Ligand”, Journal of the American

Higginbotham, CL “The Effect of Cooling

14. Ramaswamy, K; O’Higgins, RM; Kadiyala, AK;

6. Tao, K; O’Donnell, J; Yuan, H; Haq, EU; Guerin,

SIFSIX Coordination Network Induced by a

and feedstock composition on the properties of

grit-blasting as a pre-treatment for carbon-fibre

1. Yu, Q; Li, MM; Gao, J; Xu, PX; Chen, QZ; Xing, D;

21. Song, BQ; Yang, QY; Wang, SQ; Vandichel, M;

RJ; de la Fuente, J; Carrera-Sanchez,

Component Hot-Melt Extruded Solid Dispersions, Pharmaceutics 12(3),212 23. Harnedy-Rothwell, PA; McLaughlin, CM; O’Keeffe,

thermoplastic composite to aluminium bonded

MB; Le Gouic, AV; Allsopp, PJ; McSorley,

joints tested at static and dynamic loading rates”,

EM; Sharkey, S; Whooley, J; McGovern, B;

Composites Part B: Engineering 185,107765

O’Harte, FPM; FitzGerald, RJ “Identification and

15. Trinh, LC; Groh, RMJ; Zucco, G; Weaver, PM “A strain-displacement mixed formulation based on the modified couple stress theory for the flexural behaviour of laminated beams”, Composites Part B: Engineering 185,107740 16. Kavanagh, O; Hogan, F; Murphy, C; Croker, D; Walker, G “Formulating a Stable Mannitol Infusion while Maintaining Hyperosmolarity”, Pharmaceutics 12(2),187 17. Di Carlo, E; Boullemant, A; Poynton, H; Courtney, R “Exposure of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) to bauxite residue: Implications for future rehabilitation programmes”, 18. Sharos, PA; McCarthy, CT “Novel finite element for near real-time design decisions in multifastener composite bolted joints under various loading rates”, Composite Structures 240,112005 19. Goswami, S; Rath, SP; Thompson, D; Hedstrom, S; Annamalai, M; Pramanick, R; Ilic, BR; Sarkar, S; Hooda, S; Nijhuis, CA; Martin, J; Williams, RS; Goswami, S; Venkatesan, T “Charge disproportionate molecular redox for discrete memristive and memcapacitive switching”, Nature Nanotechnology 15(5), pp. 380-389 20. Nirmalraj, PN; List, J; Battacharya, S; Howe, G; Xu, L; Thompson, D; Mayer, M “Complete aggregation pathway of amyloid beta (1-40) and (1-42) resolved on an atomically clean interface”, Science Advances 08 Apr 2020, Vol. 6, no.

15, eaaz6014 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz6014

characterisation of peptides from a boarfish (Capros aper) protein hydrolysate displaying in vitro dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory and insulinotropic activity”, Food Research International, Volume 131, May 2020, 108989 24. Bannigan, P; Flynn, J; Hudson, SP “The impact of endogenous gastrointestinal molecules on the dissolution and precipitation of orally delivered hydrophobic APIs”, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery 17(5), pp. 677-688 25. Rotter, A; Bacu, A; Barbier, M; Bertoni, F; Bones, A; Cancela, ML; Carlsson, J; Carvalho, MF; Ceglowska, M; Dalay, MC; Dailianis, T; Deniz, I; Drakulovi, D; Dubnika, A; Einarsson, H; Erdogan, A; Eroldogan, OT; Ezra, D; Fazi, S; FitzGerald, RJ; Gargan, LM; Gaudencio, SP; DeNardis, NI; Joksimovic, D; Katarzyte, M; Kotta, J; Mandalakis, M; Matijosyte, I; MazurMarzec, H; Massa-Gallucci, A; Mohamed, M; Nielsen, SL; Novoveska, L; Overlinge, D; Portman, ME; Pyrc, K; Rebours, C; Reinsch, T; Reyes, F; Rinkevich, B; Robbens, J; Rudovica, V; Sabotic, J; Safarik, I; Talve, S; Tasdemir, D; Schneider, XT; Thomas, OP; Torunska-Sitarz, A; Varese, GC; Vasquez, MI “A New Network for the Advancement of Marine Biotechnology in Europe and Beyond”, Frontiers in Marine Science 7,278 26. McConville, JPV; Lu, HD; Wang, B; Tan, YZ; Cochard, C; Conroy, M; Moore, K; Harvey, A; Bangert, U; Chen, LQ; Gruverman, A; Gregg, JM “Ferroelectric Domain Wall Memristor”, Advanced Functional Materials 30(28),2000109 59

27. Uddin, MS; Tewari, D; Al Mamun, A; Kabir, T;

35. Lutz, AK; Pfaender, S; Incearap, B; Ioannidis,

42. Zamboni, F; Ryan, E; Culebras, M; Collins, MN

51. Ortiz-Serna, P; Carsi, M; Culebras, M; Collins,

Niaz, K; Wahed, MII; Barreto, GE; Ashraf, GM

V; Ottonelli, I; Fohr, KJ; Cammerer, J; Zoller, M;

“Labile crosslinked hyaluronic acid via urethane

MN; Sanchis, MJ “Exploring the role of lignin

“Circadian and sleep dysfunction in Alzheimer’s

Higelin, J; Giona, F; Stetter, M; Stoecker, N;

formation using bis(beta-isocyanatoethyl)

structure in molecular dynamics of lignin/bio-

disease”, Ageing Research Reviews 60,101046

Alami, NO; Schon, M; Orth, M; Liebau, S; Barbi,

disulphide with tuneable physicochemical and

derived thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane

G; Grabrucker, AM; Delorme, R; Fauler, M; Mayer,

immunomodulatory properties”, Carbohydrate

blends”, International Journal of Biological

B; Jesse, S; Roselli, F; Ludolph, AC; Bourgeron, T;

Polymers Volume 245, 1 October 2020, 116501

Macromolecules 158, pp. 1369-1379

43. Sebaey, TA; Catalanotti, G; Lopes, CS; O’Dowd, N

52. Pimentel, FB; Cermeno, M; Kleekayai, T;

28. Mohajeri, M; Bianconi, V; Avila-Rodriguez, MF; Barreto, GE; Jamialahmadi, T; Pirro, M; Sahebkar, A “Curcumin: a phytochemical modulator of estrogens and androgens in tumors of the reproductive system”, Pharmacological Research, 156,104765 29. Han, YM; Nickle, C; Zhang, ZY; Astier, HPAG; Duffin, TJ; Qi, DC; Wang, Z; del Barco, E; Thompson, D; Nijhuis, CA “Electric-field-driven dual-functional molecular switches in tunnel junctions”, Nature Materials, 19(8), pp. 843-848 30. McHale, C; Telford, R; Weaver, PM “Morphing lattice boom for space applications”, Composites Part B: Engineering 202,108441 31. Bardon, LA; Streicher, M; Corish, CA; Clarke, M; Power, LC; Kenny, RA; O’Connor, DM; Laird, E; O’Connor, EM; Visser, M; Volkert, D; Gibney, ER “Predictors of Incident Malnutrition in Older Irish Adults from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing Cohort-A MaNuEL study”, Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 75(2), pp. 249-256 32. Ryczkowski, R; Chalupka, K; Kwapinski, W; Przybysz, K; Fridrichova, D; Grams, J “Modification of Ni/ZrO2 catalyst by selected rare earth metals as a promising way for increase in the efficiency of thermocatalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to hydrogen-rich gas”, Fuel 276,118110 33. Chowdhury, IR; Nash, NH; Portela, A; O’Dowd, NP; Comer, AJ “Analysis of failure modes for a non -crimp basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composite under flexural and interlaminar shear loading”, Composite Structures 245,112317 34. Daghighi, S; Zucco, G; Rouhi, M; Weaver, PM “Bend -free design of super ellipsoids of revolution composite pressure vessels”, Composite Structures 245,112283

Verpelli, C; Demestre, M; Boeckers, TM “Autismassociated SHANK3 mutations impair maturation of neuromuscular junctions and striated muscles”, Science Translational Medicine 12(547),eaaz3267 36. Feser, T; Hassan, J; Waimer, M; O’Higgins, RM; McCarthy, CT; Toso, N; Voggenreiter, H; McCarthy, MA “Effects of transient dynamic loading on the energy absorption capability of composite bolted joints undergoing extended bearing failure”, Composite Structures 247,112476 37. Basavalingappa, V; Bera, S; Xue, B; O’Donnell, J; Guerin, S; Cazade, PA; Yuan, H; ul Haq, E; Silien, C; Tao, K; Shimon, LJW; Tofail, SAM; Thompson, D; Kolusheva, S; Yang, RS; Cao, Y; Gazit, E “Diphenylalanine-Derivative Peptide Assemblies with Increased Aromaticity Exhibit Metal-like Rigidity and High Piezoelectricity”, ACS Nano 14(6), pp. 7025-7037 38. Mukherjee, S; Chen, SS; Bezrukov, AA; Mostrom, M; Terskikh, VV; Franz, D; Wang, SQ; Kumar, A; Chen, MS; Space, B; Huang, YN; Zaworotko, MJ “Ultramicropore Engineering by Dehydration to Enable Molecular Sieving of H(2)by Calcium Trimesate”, Angewandte Chemie, Volume132, Issue37 September 7, 2020 Pages 16322-16328 39. Xiao, XX; McGourty, KD; Magner, E “Enzymatic Biofuel Cells for Self-Powered, Controlled Drug Release”, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 142(26), pp. 11602-11609 40. Ramaswamy, K; O’Higgins, RM; Corbett, MC; McCarthy, MA; McCarthy, CT “Quasistatic and dynamic performance of novel interlocked hybrid metal-composite joints”, Composite Structures 253,112769 41. Thorat, ND; Townley, HE; Patil, RM; Tofail, SAM; Bauer, J “Comprehensive approach of hybrid nanoplatforms in drug delivery and theranostics to combat cancer”, Drug Discovery Today 25(7), pp. 1245-1252

“Computational micromechanics of the effect of

Harnedy, PA; FitzGerald, RJ; Alves, RC;

fibre misalignment on the longitudinal compression

Oliveira, MBPP “Effect of in vitro simulated

and shear properties of UD fibre-reinforced

gastrointestinal digestion on the antioxidant

plastics”, Composite Structures 248,112487

activity of the red seaweed Porphyra dioica”,

44. Chanteli, A; Bandaru, AK; Peeters, D; O’Higgins, RM; Weaver, PM “Influence of repass treatment

Food Research International 136,109309 53. Zubair, MA; Al Mamun, A; McNamara, K; Tofail,

on carbon fibre-reinforced PEEK composites

SAM; Islam, F; Lebedev, VA “Amorphous interface

manufactured using laser-assisted automatic tape

oxide formed due to high amount of Sm doping

placement”, Composite Structures 248,112539

(5-20 mol%) stabilizes finer size anatase and

45. Gao, MY; Wang, K; Sun, YY; Li, DJ; Song, BQ; Andaloussi, YH; Zaworotko, MJ; Zhang, J; Zhang, L “Tetrahedral Geometry Induction of

lowers indirect band gap”, Applied Surface Science Volume 529, 1 November 2020, 146967 54. Hassan, J; O’Higgins, RM; McCarthy, CT;

Stable Ag-Ti Nanoclusters by Flexible Trifurcate

Toso, N; McCarthy, MA “Mesoscale modelling

TiL3 Metalloligand”, Journal of the American

of extended bearing failure in tension-

Chemical Society 142(29), pp. 12784-12790

absorber joints”, International Journal of

46. Younus, HA; Zhang, Y; Vandichel, M; Ahmad, N; Laasonen, K; Verpoort, F; Zhang, C; Zhang,

Mechanical Sciences 182,105777 55. Cahalane, RM; O’Brien, JM; Kavanagh, EG;

SG “Water Oxidation at Neutral pH using a

Moloney, MA; Leahy, FC; Walsh, MT “Correlating

Highly Active Copper-Based Electrocatalyst”,

Ex Vivo Carotid Calcification Measurements

ChemSusChem 13(18), pp. 5088-5099

With Cerebrovascular Symptoms A Proof-

47. Zhang, SY; Fairen-Jimenez, D; Zaworotko,

of-Concept Study”, Stroke pp. 250-253

MJ “Structural Elucidation of the Mechanism

56. Ji, W; Xue, B; Bera, S; Guerin, S; Liu, YQ; Yuan,

of Molecular Recognition in Chiral Crystalline

H; Li, Q; Yuan, CQ; Shimon, LJW; Ma, Q; Kiely,

Sponges”, Angewandte Chemie - International

E; Tofail, SAM; Si, MS; Yan, XH; Cao, Y; Wang,

Edition 59(40), pp. 17600-17606

W; Yang, RS; Thompson, D; Li, JB; Gazit, E

48. Madden, DG; Albadarin, AB; O’Nolan, D; Cronin, P; Perry, JJ IV; Solomon, S; Curtin, T; Khraisheh, M; Zaworotko, MJ; Walker, GM “Metal-Organic Material Polymer Coatings for Enhanced Gas Sorption Performance and Hydrolytic Stability

“Tunable Mechanical and Optoelectronic Properties of Organic Cocrystals by Unexpected Stacking Transformation from H- to J- and X-Aggregation”, ACS Nano 14(8), pp. 10704-10715 57. Fennell, E; Leszczynski, S; Kamphus, J; Huyghe,

under Humid Conditions”, ACS Applied Materials

JM “A strain induced softening and hardening

and Interfaces 12(30), pp. 33759-33764

constitutive model for superabsorbent polymers

49. Suarez-Herrera, MF; Scanlon, MD “Quantitative Analysis of Redox-Inactive Ions by AC Voltammetry at a Polarized Interface between

undergoing finite deformation”, International Journal of Engineering Science 154,103346 58. Peeters, D; Deane, M; O’Higgins, R; Weaver,

Two Immiscible Electrolyte Solutions”, Analytical

PM “Morphology of ply drops in thermoplastic

Chemistry 92(15), pp. 10521-10530

composite materials manufactured

50. Lordan, R; Vidal, NP; Pham, TH; Tsoupras, A; Thomas, RH; Zabetakis, I “Yoghurt fermentation

using laser-assisted tape placement”, Composite Structures 251,112638

alters the composition and antiplatelet properties of milk polar lipids”, Food Chemistry 332,127384 60

61

59. Ren, H; Li, Z; Sun, YW; Gao, P; McCarthy, C;

67. Rezende, GC; Le Calve, S; Brandner, JJ;

Liu, N; Xu, HX; Ryan, KM “Precursor-Mediated

Newport, D “Characterization of a modular

Linear- and Branched-Polytypism Control in

microfluidic photoionization detector”, Sensors

Cu alpha Zn beta Sn gamma Se delta Colloidal

and Actuators, B: Chemical 324,128667

Nanocrystals Using a Dual-Injection Method”,

68. Guinane, L; Gautam, D; Kubik, J; Stenson, B;

60. Gleeson, M; O’Dwyer, K; Guerin, S; Rice,

Geary, S; Lebedev, V; Laffir, F; Beloshapkin, S;

D; Thompson, D; Tofail, SAM; Silien,

Ul-Haq, E; Tofail, SAM “Nanoscale topography,

C; Liu, N “Quantitative Polarization-

surface charge variation and defect correlation

Resolved Second-Harmonic-Generation

in 2-8 nm thick functional alumina films”,

Microscopy of Glycine Microneedles”,

Applied Surface Science 528,146950

Advanced Materials 32(46),2002873 61. Aminu, IS; Geaney, H; Imtiaz, S; Adegoke, TE;

69. Nico, V; Frizzell, R; Punch, J “The Identification of Period Doubling in a Nonlinear Two-Degree-

Kapuria, N; Collins, GA; Ryan, KM “A Copper

of-Freedom Electromagnetic Vibrational

Silicide Nanofoam Current Collector for

Energy Harvester”, IEEE/ASME Transactions on

Directly Grown Si Nanowire Networks and their

Mechatronics 25(6),9109628, pp. 2973-2980

Application as Lithium-Ion Anodes”, Advanced Functional Materials 30(38),2003278 62. Li, Z; Corbett, B; Gocalinska, A; Pelucchi, E; Chen,

70. Verma, V; Bordignon, S; Chierotti, MR; Lestari, M; Lyons, K; Padrela, L; Ryan, KM; Lusi, M “Cortisone and cortisol break hydrogen-

W; Ryan, KM; Khan, P; Silien, C; Xu, HX; Liu, N

bonding rules to make a drug-prodrug

“Direct visualization of phase-matched efficient

solid solution”, IUCrJ 7, pp. 1124-1130

second harmonic and broadband sum frequency generation in hybrid plasmonic nanostructures”, Light: Science and Applications 9(1),180 63. Del Rio, JP; Molina, S; Hidalgo-Lanussa, O; Garcia-

71. Sharkey, SJ; Harnedy-Rothwell, PA; Allsopp, PJ; Hollywood, LE; FitzGerald, RJ; O’Harte, FPM “A Narrative Review of the Anti-Hyperglycemic and Satiating Effects of Fish Protein Hydrolysates

Segura, LM; Barreto, GE “Tibolone as Hormonal

and Their Bioactive Peptides”, Molecular

Therapy and Neuroprotective Agent”, Trends in

Nutrition and Food Research 64(21),2000403

Endocrinology and Metabolism 31(10), pp. 742-759 64. Sun, N; Wang, SQ; Andaloussi, YH; Liu,

72. Singh, M; Kumar, A; Shirazian, S; Ranade, V; Walker, G “Characterization of Simultaneous

GR; Fu, TH; Xu, JL; Zaworotko, MJ; Bu, XH

Evolution of Size and Composition Distributions

“Supramolecular Cages Based on a Silver

Using Generalized Aggregation Population Balance

Complex as Adaptable Hosts for Poly-Aromatic

Equation”, Pharmaceutics 12(12),1152, pp. 1-17

Hydrocarbons”, Small 16(47),2001377 65. Pal, A; Chand, S; Madden, DG; Franz, D;

Miniaturised molecular-scale electronics provides novel functionalities and energy efficient solutions for high-density computing that drives artificial intelligence and internet of things. Predictive molecular modelling at Bernal has enabled design of the world’s best-performing molecular switch (Nature Nanotechnology 2017) and first dual-function memory-rectification molecular tunnel junction (Nature Materials 2020). Shown here is a representative supramolecular contact that keeps redoxactive ferrocene-based molecular switches in tightly-packed, upright monolayers, which enables high-speed switching with near-zero leakage currents.

73. Felix, M; Cermeno, M; FitzGerald, RJ “Influence of Hydrolysis on the Bioactive Properties

Ritter, L; Space, B; Curtin, T; Pal, SC; Das, MC

and Stability of Chickpea-Protein-Based

“Immobilization of a Polar Sulfone Moiety onto

O/W Emulsions”, Journal of Agricultural and

the Pore Surface of a Humid-Stable MOF for

Food Chemistry 68(37), pp. 10118-10127

Highly Efficient CO2 Separation under Dry and Wet Environments through Direct CO2Sulfone Interactions”, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 12(37), pp. 41177-41184 66. Subedi, RC; Min, JW; Mitra, S; Li, KH; Ajia, I; Stegenburgs, E; Anjum, DH; Conroy, M; Moore, K; Bangert, U; Roqan, IS; Ng, TK; Ooi, BS “Quantifying the Transverse-Electric-Dominant 260 nm Emission from Molecular Beam EpitaxyGrown GaN-Quantum-Disks Embedded in AlN Nanowires: A Comprehensive Optical and Morphological Characterization”, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 12(37), pp. 41649-41658 62

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Funders The equipment and facilities mentioned in this document have been co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under Ireland’s European Structural and Investment Funds Programmes and the HEA, the European Commission, Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, The Atlantic Philanthropies and Analog Devices.

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The sun rising over Bernal, captured by Professor Michael Zaworotko en route to work on a winter’s morning in January 2021.

Bernal Institute University of Limerick Limerick V94 T9PX Ireland.

Web www.bernalinstitute.com Email bernal.institute@ul.ie Twitter @BernalNews LinkedIn Bernal Institute