The Michael Moriarty Research Laboratory
The Michael Moriarty Research Laboratory at St. Luke’s Hospital Rathgar represents a major enhancement of the scientific and clinical research capabilities within SLRON. Funded through the support of The Friends of St. Luke’s and the Institute of Cancer Research the upgraded facility is now fully equipped for standard laboratory preparation and offers a wide range of advanced functionalities critical for modern cancer research.
The Capability to Perform Diverse Cell-Based Assays
Key features include a high-capacity -80°C freezer capable of storing a minimum of 4,500 clinical and cell samples, dedicated cell-culture space suitable for conducting experiments with cytotoxic drugs, and the capability to perform diverse cell-based assays. The lab also supports the processing of both cell and clinical samples for protein and transcriptomic analysis, as well as imaging of cells.
A Research Linear Accelerator
Beyond these technical capabilities, the laboratory’s location on a site that already houses modern radiotherapy treatment units and a research linear accelerator provides a unique and powerful environment for integrated translational research. This proximity allows for closer alignment between laboratory discoveries, radiotherapy innovation, and clinical practice, creating opportunities to expand the translational components of clinical trials and deepen scientific collaboration.
Research-Driven Clinical Advances
The refurbished facility significantly enhances the potential for laboratory-based research, offering wide-ranging benefits for SLRON. These include direct improvements to patient care through research-driven clinical advances, enriched training and educational opportunities for staff, and strengthened support for the development of specialised research areas such as stereotactic radiotherapy, which is becoming an increasingly important component of the clinical programme. Overall, this laboratory represents an important investment in the future of cancer research, education, and patient-centred innovation.
Lab Manager
As laboratory manager, Dr. Fiona O’Neill draws on her extensive postdoctoral research experience to build stronger connections between the Michael Moriarty Lab and academic investigators, helping bridge the gap between clinical practice and translational science.