AMBER Researchers awarded The Royal Society – Research Ireland University Research Fellowships

23 March 2026

Congratulations to Tian Carey of Trinity College Dublin and Ian Woods of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) recent postdoctoral researchers on AMBER funded and linked research projects who have been awarded The Royal Society – Research Ireland University Research Fellowships.

▪️ Dr Tian Carey will will lead ‘Transistors with High mobility electronic INKs (THINK).’

Dr Carey will investigate how advanced materials and novel printing methods can overcome limitations currently restricting high-performance printed electronics. The project aims to develop next-generation flexible electronic devices for applications in environmental monitoring, early-stage medical diagnostics, and beyond.

▪️ Dr Ian Woods will lead ‘MX-REGEN: MXene-functionalized 3D-printed electroconductive scaffolds for spatially-controlled enhancement of pro-regenerative electrical stimulation for neurotrauma repair.’

Dr Woods will explore new ways to help the brain repair itself after traumatic brain injury using 3D printed microwires to deliver electrical signals to damaged tissue. The project aims to develop a small, injectable implant to encourage regrowth of neurons, improving recovery for people with traumatic brain injuries.

They were awarded alongside Dr Jennifer Lynch of University College Dublin who will study how a key molecule called β-catenin drives an aggressive form of leukaemia.

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, said: 

As reaffirmed in our Strategy launched earlier this month, Research Ireland is committed to building a world-class environment where talent can pursue curiosity-driven research with real impact. Through this partnership, the Royal Society – Research Ireland University Research Fellowships are providing outstanding, early-career researchers with stability and resources they need to advance Ireland’s future, for the benefit of both economy and society.

The University Research Fellowship is a flagship early-career funding scheme, supporting outstanding scientists who have the potential to become future leaders in their fields.  

In 2025, 39 University Research Fellowships were awarded to early-career researchers across the UK and Ireland. The full list of 2025 University Research Fellows can be found here.