Prof. Mark Smales has been awarded over €3.5 million through the prestigious Research Ireland Research Professorship Programme.
Holding a joint appointment between the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) and the University of Kent, Prof. Smales will lead a five-year research programme focused on revolutionising the manufacturing of next generation biotherapeutics. The project will be based at NIBRT and will support a dedicated research team, including three PhD studentships.
Biotherapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies, and RNA-based medicines, have transformed the treatment of diseases worldwide. Manufacturing these advanced therapies, however, remains complex, inefficient, and costly, limiting their availability and impact. Prof. Smales’ research will take a pioneering approach to redefine how these medicines are produced, making manufacturing more efficient, predictable, and scalable.
The project will focus on three key areas:
- Gene Therapy Production – Understanding the biology of the cells and genetic components that underpin gene therapy manufacturing and developing improved production systems.
- RNA Therapeutics – Investigating how RNA sequences, modifications, and control elements impact their effectiveness as vaccines and therapeutics.
- Bioprocess Engineering – Applying cutting-edge engineering biology techniques to create new cell factories capable of producing novel format, complex biotherapeutic proteins with improved quality and yield.
Commenting on the award, Prof. Smales said: “I am honoured to receive this Research Ireland Professorship award, which will allow us to harness the breadth of world class infrastructure and ‘know-how’ at NIBRT and across Ireland in the advanced biotherapeutic therapies sector.
“IUltimately, this research will deepen our understanding of the science that governs efficiency, predictability and certainty in the design and production of next generation biotherapeutics, so that these can be manufactured at the required quantity and quality for assessment and application in practice. I look forward to working with my colleagues at NIBRT and the University of Kent to deliver real impact for the field and, ultimately, for patients worldwide.”
CSO & Director of Research and Innovation at NIBRT, Dr. Fiona Killard-Lynch, commented: “Prof. Mark Smales’ Research Ireland Research Professorship award is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership in biopharmaceutical research. This funding will enable Mark and his team to drive innovation in gene therapies, RNA medicines, and next-generation protein therapeutics. As a Principal Investigator at NIBRT, this programme will play a key role in advancing cutting-edge biopharmaceutical research, strengthening Ireland’s position as a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, said: “We are delighted to support Prof. Mark Smales appointment to NIBRT through the Research Ireland Professorship Programme. The programme attracts world-leading researchers to Ireland to build critical expertise and reinforce Ireland’s reputation in the global research and innovation landscape. Prof. Smales brings with him over 20 years’ experience and expertise in biotherapeutics.
“Finding more effective ways to manufacture these therapies will improve outcomes for patients and increase the accessibility of life-changing treatments. Prof. Smales work in this area of translational medicine will help strengthen Ireland’s biopharma and biomanufacturing sector, contributing to the advancement of fundamental knowledge within this field.”
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