Chair of Neurology

Understanding neurological disease

Neurological diseases are increasingly common, affecting over one billion people worldwide.  Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and neuroinflammatory diseases like Multiple Sclerosis have devastating consequences on those affected, their families, and society at large.

Translational neuroscience is a multidisciplinary approach that requires close interaction and communication between bench scientists and academic clinicians.  The aim is to conduct research that directs new treatments and reduce the impact and progression of neurological disease.

The Chair in Neurology will provide academic leadership in consolidating work in neurology-related translational research in TCD.   Clinical skills in patient phenotyping, epidemiology and genetics are combined with academic and laboratory based expertise to drive our understanding of disease pathogenesis, and to find new and more effective treatments.    

TCD has a strong foundation to take this work to next level. Translation from bench to clinical neuroscience demands a combination of excellence in laboratory science and high calibre clinician science. Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience already comprises a multidisciplinary community of laboratory-based neuroscientists, and an evolving group of physician-scientists. 

The Health Research Board has provided funding for a Clinician Scientist in Neurology at TCD for five years to promote excellence in clinical and translational neuroscience. This funding has led to the development of an active research department in clinical neurology that has made major contributions in neuroepidemiology, neurogenetics, neuroimaging and neuropsychology.

To realize our ambitions in neurology we plan to appoint a Chair of Neurology as the first step on the way to creating a full department of Neurology.  

It is estimated that a minimum of €1,000,000 over a period of five years will be required to cover salary. Securing funding for the position and making the appointment will allow us to attract further research funding. Part funding towards the Chair has been provided by Merck Serono, Novartis and Fannin Limited.

Professor Orla Hardiman, HRB Clinical Scientist, Consultant Neurologist at Beaumont Hospital, and Clinical Professor (Neurology), TCD