The Asthma Society of Ireland and Irish Thoracic Society Research Bursary

Investigating the benefits of Vitamin D in patient’s with asthma

The inaugural Asthma Society of Ireland/Irish Thoracic Society Joint Research Bursary has been awarded to a research team led by Dr. John Faul and Mr. Conor Kerley, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, Dublin to support research on the importance of Vitamin D deficiency in asthma.

Presenting the award, Ms Sharon Cosgrove, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, said: “Research into the causes and treatment of asthma is key to improving the quality of care that can be delivered to the estimated 470,000 people in Ireland with the disease. The Asthma Society of Ireland is delighted to be embarking on this award programme, in conjunction with the Irish Thoracic Society, in support of Asthma research in Ireland.”

Dr Edward McKone, President of the Irish Thoracic Society, commended the successful research proposal: “Asthma is a major public health issue in Ireland and the Irish Thoracic Society, in conjunction with the Asthma Society of Ireland, are delighted to award this bursary to the team from Connolly Hospital to help with their study of the effects of vitamin D levels in patients with asthma. It promises to produce valuable new information about a potential novel therapeutic approach that has the potential to impact directly on the management of Irish asthma patients.”

Pictured at the presentation of the Asthma Society of Ireland  – Irish Thoracic Society Joint Research Bursary are:
Dr Edward McKone, President of the Irish Thoracic Society, Mr Conor Kerley, Nutrition Researcher, Connolly Hospital, Dublin, Ms Sharon Cosgrove, CEO, Asthma Society of Ireland and Dr John Faul, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Connolly Hospital, Dublin.