About

Introduction

The APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre, founded as the Alimentary Pharmabotic Centre in 2003, is about people working together across the boundaries of traditional research sectors. The APC has created a lively trans-disciplinary environment with clinicians, clinician-scientists and basic scientists from diverse backgrounds working in teams, sharing ideas and resources. Although focused upon the magic and mysteries of the gastrointestinal bacterial community, (the microbiota), the scale and scope of the work has become one of the fastest moving areas of biology, of relevance to all branches of human medicine and veterinary science, and is of growing importance to the economic welfare of society.

The microbiota is not only a target for treatment and prevention of disease, it is a repository for functional food ingredients and even new drugs and is a source of novel biomarkers of disease risk. APC researchers welcome collaborators from industry, large and small enterprises, indigenous and multi-national, and have extensive experience with the food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic sectors. The scientific organisation of the APC consists of a matrix of vertical pillars or themes of intellectual pursuit which are supported by multiple horizontal or shared technology platforms. This ensures freshness of ideas and support for intellectual curiosity while serving as a magnet to attract and drive industry-focussed research.

The APC is a national institute and resource which continues to serve as an agent of change –creating an environment conducive to innovation and challenging obstacles and outdated concepts in education. It is outward looking with an international reputation as a leading global microbiome institute, with a broad range of academic and commercial partnerships. APC Microbiome Ireland builds on many success stories of its earlier years and looks to the future with energy, enthusiasm and confidence.

Our Purpose

Our goals and mission are targeted at realising the potential of microbiome science to help address some of the key global challenges we face today.

To bring talented researchers, clinicians and industry together to develop microbiome based knowledge, solutions and products to tackle societal challenges and support economic growth.

Our Mission

To continue to be global research leaders who positively impact human and planetary health through excellent microbiome science and innovation.

Our Vision

Teamwork, leadership, intellectual honesty, excellence, impact and the creation and maintenance of an environment conducive to learning and innovation.

Our Values

APC Aims

Investigate the means by which the microbiome influences health and disease, and to position Ireland at the forefront of this exciting research field.
Discover new therapeutics for chronic diseases such as inflammatory conditions of the gut, infectious diseases, metabolic disorder.
Develop unique microbiome-based solutions for sustainable food production including natural biopreservatives to extend shelf life and reduce food waste.
Address healthy ageing and investigate diet-microbiome interactions across the lifespan. A particular focus here is the gut-brain-microbiome axis and its relationship with mental health and aging-related neurological conditions.
Gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underpinning antimicrobial resistance and develop microbiome-derived alternatives to antibiotics.
Develop the scientific leaders of tomorrow by attracting, developing and training the brightest minds in a thriving, inclusive research environment.
Actively engage with key stakeholders including patients and policymakers to co-create research and effectively communicate scientific research.
Promote entrepreneurship by spinning out new companies to exploit novel IP generated through APC research.
Establish robust collaborations with industry partners in the pharma, food, agriculture and veterinary sectors with similar scientific and innovation goals.