The Ireland Fund of France in conjunction with the French pharmaceutical group L’Institut Servier and RCSI have awarded the Servier Scholarship Prize of €10,000 to Professor Dermot Kenny from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics (MCT) and Director of the Clinical Research Centre at RCSI and Beaumont Hospital .

The event was presided over by His Excellency Mr. Yvon d’Albert Roé, French Ambassador to Ireland at the French Embassy today.

Named after Dr Jacques Servier, the founding President of the Servier Research Group, the Servier Award is a scholarship which promotes and encourage scientific exchange between the medical community, healthcare industry, universities and research organisations particularly in the field of therapeutic research.

Professor Kenny received his award for his contribution and success in supporting research collaborations with France in the area of platelet adhesion and for his work into the rare congenital bleeding disorder Bernard-Soulier syndrome. As part of his research into platelet adhesion, Professor Kenny has worked closely with Dr Patrick Chang of the French National Science Research Council (CNRS) in Villefranche-sur-mer. This collaborative research examines platelets and how they affect the process of blood clotting.

Professor Kenny has also collaborated with world renowned expert in platelets, Dr Alan Nurden of the CNRS in Bordeaux into research on Bernard-Soulier Syndrome. This very rare severe bleeding disorder occurs when the blood platelets fail to correctly clot and in severe cases, it can result in a person bleeding to death. Professor Kenny has been responsible for the establishment of an international registry to characterize and assist patients with the disease.

Mr Christian Bazantay, Secretary General of the Servier Group who presented the award, said: “We are delighted to recognise Professor Kenny for his contribution to the scientific and medical community both here in Ireland and in France. His research projects and collaboration with the CNRS make him a worthy recipient of the award.”

Mr Pierre Joannon, President d’Honneur of the Ireland Fund of France, said: “Now in its fourth year, the Servier Award represents another initiative in furtherance of the Ireland Fund of France’s mission to enhance Franco-Irish relations. I would like to congratulate Professor Kenny 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 not only recognises an individual’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 Professor Kenny and his long-term collaboration with his French colleagues has been recognised in this way.”