The funding will enable the creation of a specialist ophthalmology suite within iREACH Health, a clinical research innovation centre delivered in partnership   between Queen’s University and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) and supported by the Belfast Region City Deal. The facility will facilitate advanced eye research focused on ageing, early disease pathology and the impact of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s on eyesight. 

Welcoming the award, Queen’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said:

“The mission of iREACH Health is to establish an integrated clinical research innovation centre, building upon Queen’s existing investment in advanced research facilities to create a world-class ecosystem for transformative clinical research.  

“This crucial funding from the Wolfson Foundation will enable iREACH Health to deliver flexible clinical trial spaces and specialist ophthalmology research rooms equipped with advanced imaging technology. They will be part of a brand-new building currently under construction and expected to be operational in mid 2027. 

“iREACH Health will align Queen’s existing research centres and the wider clinical research infrastructure across Northern Ireland, transforming our capability to deliver clinical trials across multiple healthcare challenges.  

“This support enables our world-class researchers to shape lives, and we are most grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for providing this impactful funding.” 

Director of the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science and CEO of iREACH Health Professor Judy Bradley, said:

“We’re delighted to receive this award from the Wolfson Foundation. The new ophthalmology suite in iREACH Health will significantly strengthen eye research in Northern Ireland and help accelerate the development of new diagnostics and treatments for patients.” 

“This investment from the Wolfson Foundation is a major boost for iREACH Health and for research infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The new ophthalmology suite strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality clinical research at pace and scale, supporting collaboration across the health service, academia, and industry for the benefit of patients.” 

Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, Paul Ramsbottom, said:

“iREACH Health represents a significant step forward for clinical research in Northern Ireland. We are pleased to support a dedicated ophthalmology suite that will strengthen eye research and help ensure advances reach patients more quickly.  

“This builds on our long-standing support for clinical research in the region, including funding to establish the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility, which opened in 2013.” 

Eddie Friel, Director Alumni Engagement & Philanthropy at Queen’s added:

“We are delighted to build on our long-established partnership with the Wolfson Foundation with this significant award, boosting the cutting edge research delivered at Queen's."

 

Find out more about iREACH Health here. 

Find out more about the Wolfson Foundation here. 

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For further information, please contact Ciara.oneill@qub.ac.uk