In recognition of their project to develop an imaging solution that enables nanoscale microscopy, Professor Zerulla from University College Dublin (UCD) School of Physics, and his team at PEARlabs Technologies, have been granted a special Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Future Innovator Prize of €500,000.
The goal of the PEARlabs technology was to expand the understanding of cell proliferation in cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This patented technology can help with early diagnosis and more precise delivery of drug treatments. It also might be able to be used as an “add-on” to optical microscopes, allowing access to “nm resolution imaging.”
Zerulla will use the prize money to continue developing this solution, enabling PEARlabs to further their research. Funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation, the SFI Future Innovator Prize is part of Ireland’s plan to challenge the best and brightest the country has to offer to create new, potentially disruptive technologies in conjunction with end-users.
Minister Heather Humphreys, TD, said, "Congratulations to the Hydrobloc team on winning this prestigious award and leading the way with this much needed novel and innovative treatment for chronic pain. Such was the potential from this Challenge Funding program, that a special award was received by the PEARlabs team for their pioneering research in nano-microscopy. At this time, as we battle an unprecedented pandemic, we clearly need disruptive science and technology to help us find solutions. I am delighted to support the SFI Future Innovator Prize program and wish the winning teams all the best as they continue their journey and further develop their concepts for the benefit of society."
Professor Dominic Zerulla, UCD School of Physics and founder PEARlabs said, "I am delighted to receive this award, which is verification that the transformative potential of our disruptive imaging method has been recognized. Our PEARlabs technology will allow life science researchers to understand bio-medically relevant mechanisms to enable an unparalleled in-depth understanding of life-threatening diseases such as cancer and pandemic viral infections, including the coronavirus. This will in turn facilitate the development of faster drug delivery and testing."
Professor Orla Feely, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact said, "Winning this funding is testament to the world-class research taking place at UCD and the innovative start-ups which are spinning out from such research activities. I wish the team every success as they further advance their nanoscale biological imaging technology which will impact society by advancing our understanding of many diseases and lead to the development of improved drug treatments."