Queen’s University will host the European Research Council for the first time in Northern Ireland next week, using the opportunity to showcase the global impact of ERC-funded research, from next-generation wireless technology to exploding stars and black holes.
From artificial intelligence systems scanning the entire night sky for exploding stars to next-generation technologies shaping how mobile phones connect and communicate, researchers at Queen’s are working at the forefront of discovery in disciplines such as life sciences, social sciences, engineering and astrophysics, thanks to European Research Council (ERC) grants.
Currently, there are eight ERC-funded research projects being carried out at Queen’s across a range of disciplines in the humanities and sciences.
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Advancing vaccines and RNA therapies
Queen’s virologist Dr David Courtney, a UK Ambassador to the ERC will explain how research into RNA – the molecule that helps carry genetic information in our cells – is driving new medical advances. Having established his laboratory through a prestigious ERC Starting Grant, Dr Courtney and his team use cutting-edge imaging technology to uncover what happens inside cells during infection. Their discoveries are helping researchers to develop highly targeted mRNA vaccines and advanced RNA therapeutics for a range of diseases. It demonstrates how world-leading virology research in Belfast, supported through this European funding, is contributing to stronger preparedness for future global health challenges.
Shaping the future of wireless communications
Queen’s is also home to Professor Michalis Matthaiou, a global leader in wireless communications, whose work helping to shape the future of wireless technology. His early work on massive Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems – the underpinning technology concept for 5G – has been widely adopted across the globe, with its commercial value projected to reach $51.38 billion by 2030. Supported by an ERC Consolidator Grant, Professor Matthaiou and his team are now developing next-generation wireless technologies that could enable devices to transfer energy wirelessly, communicate more intelligently, and operate on stronger, more reliable digital networks, helping nations to shape and secure their own digital futures.
Using artificial intelligence to explore the universe
Research projects also include the work of Dr Matt Nicholl, an astrophysicist whose research is helping to unlock some of the universe’s biggest mysteries. Supported by an ERC grant, Nicholl and his team have developed artificial intelligence tools to analyse the vast amounts of data collected by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, home to the world’s largest astronomy camera. The observatory scans the entire night sky, generating millions of alerts about objects that are moving, changing or exploding. By using AI tools to identify the most significant scientific events, the team is helping to detect rare cosmic phenomena, including exploding stars and material falling into black holes. With the Rubin Observatory’s landmark ten-year survey now underway, our researchers will be watching intently, hoping for a breakthrough that will transform our understanding of the universe.
The ERC will hold its plenary meeting on the island of Ireland next week and will spend two days at Queen’s as part of a programme of events.
The Council, which is part of Horizon Europe, provides highly prestigious, competitive funding awards from the European Union to leading researchers to run innovative, cutting-edge research projects across Europe with selection based solely on scientific excellence.
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A research showcase taking place at Queen’s on Thursday 25 June will be followed by a fireside chat featuring 2020 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and ERC Scientific Council member, Professor Emmanuelle Charpentier, and Professor Teresa Lambe OBE, a primary architect of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and recent key contributor to the early development of an Ebola virus vaccine.
The ERC’s visit to Belfast coincides with the Republic of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor said:
“We are delighted to welcome the European Research Council to Queen’s at such an important moment for research and innovation. Queen’s is proud to be home to world-leading ERC-funded researchers whose work is pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Their achievements reflect the creativity and global impact of the research taking place every day here at Queen’s.”
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