The Skin Wounds and Trauma (SWaT) Research Centre at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Bruin Biometrics LLC have today announced the extension of their strategic research partnership.

The extension will see further collaboration in wound healing and tissue repair, with a specific emphasis on innovation in pressure ulcer prevention. This important collaboration continues at a time when patient wound care outcomes and healthcare costs are being scrutinised across the globe.

Established in 2014, this long-standing academic-industry partnership will continue to explore innovative solutions that will ultimately prevent pressure ulcers through the integration of efficient, patient-focused and modernised care pathways into varying care settings.

Through this partnership, and in collaboration with RCSI’s Office for Research and Innovation, Bruin Biometrics has supported a comprehensive research programme at the SWaT Research Centre, including eight PhD scholars and two research Masters students. This has resulted in highly significant clinical data in the area of pressure ulcer prevention, as well as multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

This latest demonstration of support by Bruin Biometrics, through a philanthropic donation to RCSI, will see the research programme extend beyond 2021 and support a number of new and ongoing research initiatives within the SWaT Research Centre, under the leadership of Director, Professor Zena Moore and Deputy Director, Professor Declan Patton.

Commenting on this partnership extension, Professor Moore said: "Person-centred care and improved patient outcomes are at the heart of our research in the SWaT Research Centre. Partnering with Bruin Biometrics since 2014 has supported the Centre to lead translational research, demonstrating that pressure ulceration can be identified before it is visible on the skin surface, and that early identification can lead to effective preventative interventions which reduces pressure ulcer incidence and improves patient outcomes and service efficiency. We are delighted to extend this strategic research partnership with Bruin Biometrics and to receive continued endorsement from this internationally recognised innovative company."

Martin Burns, CEO of Bruin Biometrics, added: "RCSI’s depth of talent is world-class. Their unapologetic focus on improving outcomes is hardwired to agendas set by policy makers, payers and providers around the world, and directly benefits patients and their families. It’s a privilege to further support RCSI’s work."