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 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

Professor 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,” he said.