DCU Life Sciences Institute (LSI)

The DCU Life Sciences Institute (LSI) combines Dublin City University's track record in applied research with the expertise of over 60 Principal Investigators across biological sciences, clinical medicine, chemistry, engineering, physics, human performance, psychology, computing, and social sciences.

Driven by the mission to "Transform Challenges into Impact," the Institute fosters a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment committed to co-designing solutions for real-world health, environmental, and food system challenges.

A core priority for LSI is translational cancer research. Connecting researchers, clinicians, patients, charities, and industry partners, the Institute utilizes a "bench-to-bedside" approach to accelerate scientific discovery and improve patient outcomes across complex conditions.

A gloved hand using a glass pipette to place a drop of blue liquid into a Petri dish

Centre Details

Discover our Centre members and their expertise via our member profiles:

View our Centre Members here

Institute	Dublin City University
Alignment	School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health
Leadership	Director: Professor Anne Parle
Membership	Over 60 Principal Investigators, plus postdoctoral fellows, technical experts, and postgraduate researchers across multiple schools and faculties
Core Research Priorities	Health (Resistance & Dependence); Cancer Research; Environment & Healthy Ageing; Sustainable Food Systems
Engagement & Community	LSI Café series; clinical translation workshops; patient-focused rare disease networks; international university partnerships
Infrastructure & Initiatives	Advanced life sciences laboratories; bioprocessing suites; translational therapeutic screening labs; LSI Café
Website	www.dcu.ie/lsi
Location	Life Sciences Research Facility, Dublin City University, Glasnevin Campus, Dublin 9 Dublin D09 NR58

Information / Highlights

"Transform Challenges into Impact"

Four Core Challenge Spaces

Through its Challenge-Based Research (CBR) Programme, the DCU Life Sciences Institute brings together interdisciplinary teams to tackle major societal issues across four targeted spaces.

Health (Resistance):

Developing novel scientific and technological solutions to overcome drug and treatment resistance in healthcare.

Health (Dependence):

Investigating the biological and behavioural mechanisms of dependence, with a focus on understanding and reducing the health impacts of nicotine dependence.

Environment (The Exposome):

Exploring how lifelong environmental exposures influence human health, disease mechanisms, and healthy ageing.

Food (Precision Fermentation):

Driving sustainable food systems and innovations to ensure food security for a growing global population.

Translational Cancer Research

Cancer research is a core priority for the DCU Life Sciences Institute. Focusing on a collaborative "bench-to-bedside" approach, LSI teams translate laboratory discoveries into novel diagnostics, therapies, and clinical solutions.

Targeted Diseases:

The LSI works on 13 different types of cancer. Our research spans key areas including breast, pancreatic, brain, ovarian, and melanoma cancers.

Impact & Approach:

Connecting researchers, clinicians, patient groups, charities, and industry partners to overcome therapeutic resistance, discover biomarkers, and improve patient outcomes.

Life Sciences Café

Every Tuesday morning, 10am. GG11, LSRF

The LSI Café serves as an informal community hub designed to build connections across DCU's faculties and research groups. Bringing together researchers, Principal Investigators, and postgraduates, these regular sessions foster open dialogue, spark cross-disciplinary ideas, and encourage new research collaborations in a relaxed environment.