ICHEC supercomputer user wins SFI SIRG award
ICHEC supercomputer user Dr. Cristina Trujillo has been awarded funding via a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Starting Investigator Research Grant (SIRG) award, for her project entitled "Theoretical Development of New Class of Phase Transfers Catalysts: Applications in the Pharmaceutical Industry". Dr. Trujillo is based at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and is proud to be the only female SIRG awardee at the university.
“The main objective of the project will be focused on the application of the best computationally-design models that impact directly on the development of important pharmaceutical products,” says Dr. Trujillo.
“My research is focused on the design of new organocatalysts using computational chemistry tools, based on quantum chemistry theory,” she says. “Those new organocatalysts will be used to design new, cleaner and non-toxic procedures for obtaining a wide range of pharmaceutical compounds.”
“This award will settle the foundations of my research direction and help develop my scientific career towards an independent and hopefully long-term position at TCD. My final goal is to establish a theoretical chemistry research group at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI) in TCD, and to translate my results to experiment through collaboration with established researchers, not only with the School of Chemistry and TBSI but also throughout Ireland and Europe.”
The SIRG awards help early-career researchers develop the essential skills and experience necessary to lead Ireland’s future research in areas such as health, energy, materials and technology. Dr. Trujillo’s award is in the category 'Health and Medical.'
Speaking of the awards, Minister Breen said: “I am delighted to announce these SFI Starting Investigator Awards which allow researchers to advance their work and further develop their careers as the next research leaders in Ireland and internationally. These innovative projects demonstrate the impressive cutting-edge research taking place across Ireland, which has significant potential to positively advance Ireland’s economy and society, and further solidify its reputation as a world-leader in scientific advancements.”
The 20 research projects supported by the SFI SIRG programmes will be funded with €10.8 million through ten research bodies. With awards ranging from €376,000 to €425,000 over four years, the projects funded will support 20 researchers and a further 20 PhD students.
