Research Ireland backs nine UCD 'High-Risk, High-Reward' projects in €34.5m funding round. Congratulations Prof Wenxin Wang.

Nine UCD projects will share in €34.5 million of funding announced to support “high-risk, high-reward” projects.

Funding is under the (opens in a new window)Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme. Seven of the UCD initiatives received support through the Projects stream, while two were funded under the Awards stream.

Congratulations to UCD School of Medicine and UCD Conway Institute’s (opens in a new window)Professor Wenxin Wang on being awarded over €1.3M in the Awards Stream. The company involved is Branca Bunús Ltd.

This project focuses on developing a groundbreaking technology to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies, particularly targeting a rare skin condition called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Our innovative approach uses specially designed molecules to stabilise mRNA, making the treatment more effective and longer lasting. The research involves creating these molecules, optimising their delivery into cells, and testing their effectiveness. If successful, this technology could not only help treat RDEB but also be adapted for other medical uses. This project holds significant potential to transform the landscape of genetic disorder treatments and beyond, helping address health challenges in Ireland and worldwide.

The Frontiers for the Future Programme provides opportunities for independent investigators to conduct highly innovative, collaborative research with the potential to deliver impact, whilst also providing opportunities for high-risk, high-reward research ideas.

In total, 39 projects across 12 research institutions were awarded €34.5 million in funding under the programme for 2025, with UCD having the most at nine.

Announcing the awards, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, said each represented an investment “in cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research, and empowering individual researchers to progress bold ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries”.

“These awards demonstrate our dedication to building a diverse and inclusive research community that delivers impact for our society and economy. I look forward to seeing the development and outputs of these projects over the coming years.”

Find out about UCD’s other successful projects here.