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Researcher's work in advancing whooping cough vaccines for infants awarded Servier Scholarship
Dr Bernard Mahon, Cellular Immunologist and Dean of the Faculty of Science and
Engineering at NUI Maynooth was awarded the Dr. Jacques Servier Scholarship by
the Institut Servier in conjunction with the Ireland Fund of France and the
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) at a special reception this
evening in the French Embassy in Dublin.
Dr. Mahon received the award in recognition for his work with Professor
Camille Locht from the Institut Pasteur de Lille, France, on whooping cough
vaccines for infants.
Pictured from (L- R) are Mr. Christian Bazantay, Secretary General
of the Servier Group, Yvon Roe d'Albert,French Ambassador to Ireland, Dr
Bernard Mahon, Cellular Immunologist and Dean of the Faculty of Science and
Engineering, NUI Maynooth, Mr. Pierre Joannon, President
d’Honneur of the Ireland Fund of France and Professor Brian Harvey, Director
of Research, RCSI
The Dr Jacques Servier Scholarship is awarded to a researcher in Ireland
who has collaborated with French researchers to advance Ireland
– France Biomedical research collaboration. It promotes scientific exchange
between the medical community, healthcare industry, universities and research
organisations particularly in the field of therapeutic research.
Dr Mahon’s vaccine study on pathogen-host interactions during B.
pertussis infection, the causative agent of whooping cough, has led to
patents with new ways to make safer vaccines. Dr Mahon and Prof Locht are
currently collaborating in an EU Framework 7 project ‘Child Innovac’ to bring
a new whooping cough vaccine for infants to clinical trial.
Pictured are Dr. Janusz Gaudnik; General Manager of Servier
Laboratories Ireland and Dr Marc Devocelle; School of Pharmacy; RCSI.
Dr Mahon’s and Prof Locht’s collaboration has advanced the understanding
of B. pertussis, and has determined for the first time the role of the
bacterial toxin DNT. Additionally their collaborative research has developed
a novel attenuated vaccine which will enter clinical trials later this year.
Mr. Christian Bazantay, Secretary General of the Servier Group said “I would
like to congratulate Dr Mahon on receiving the Servier Award and for the
research he has carried out on whooping cough vaccines. We are delighted to
recognise Dr Mahon for his contribution to fostering scientific collaborations
between Ireland and France.”
Pictured from (L- R) are Professor Arthur Tanner, Director of
Surgical Affairs, RCSI, Ms Emma Duignan, Mr Joe Duignan, Consultant Surgeon,
St. Michael's Hospital and Annaik Genson, Assistante Scientifique, French
Embassy in Ireland
Mr. Pierre Joannon, President
d’Honneur of the Ireland Fund of France said “Since its inception five years
ago, the Servier Award has greatly contributed to enhancing Franco-Irish
relations, particularly in the area of medical and scientific research
collaborations. I would like to congratulate Dr Mahon on receiving this award,
and for the tremendous efforts and success that he has had in his field of
research.”
Professor Brian Harvey, Director of Research at RCSI said “This award
recognises not only Dr Mahon’s achievements in research and science, but also
the importance of collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise between Ireland
and France.
I am delighted that Dr Mahon and his long-term collaboration with his French
colleagues has been recognised in this way.”
Pictured from (L- R) are Marc Debels; David Redmond; Sean O'Riain
and Rebeccca O'Riain
Prof John Hughes, President
NUI Maynooth commented on the award “Dr Mahon is a highly valued member of the
research community here at NUI Maynooth, and this award is a well deserved
recognition of the high calibre of work undertaken by Dr Mahon.”
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