The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) today announced it is investing €50 million in the expansion of its research division over the next five years and the creation of 100 new jobs in the area.

The newly created posts in academia and research will help to grow the College’s international reputation in the areas of research and education.

Over the next five years, the College will appoint 20 new Research Lecturers, 20 associate professors, additional PhD and MD students, and support staff.

RCSI will invest approximately half of the sum in structural developments such as new laboratories. It will also provide start-up funds for new research projects and the creation of a Healthcare Outcomes Research Centre. The Centre will focus on surgical and healthcare outcomes and how research can be used to inform policy and practice to make a difference to patients and the healthcare system.

Commenting on the announcement RCSI Chief Executive, Professor Cathal Kelly said: “Research is one of our core strengths and we recognise that excellence in research is critical to the quality of our educational activities. Today’s announcements, coupled with the development of our new academic and education building on York Street which is due to open in 2016 all contribute to our goal of educating, nurturing and discovering for the benefit of human health.”

This significant investment in research supports the College’s research strategy (2014-2020) which aims to transfer research discoveries more quickly in to clinical practice for the benefit of patients. It will also improve the College’s ability to link with companies to commercialise discoveries.

RCSI has 450 scientist and clinician researchers working in its research institute. The College has invested €59 million of its own non-exchequer funding in research infrastructures, human resources and research projects in the last 10 years. RCSI receives annual grant income of approximately €25m a year.