A Kerry woman and researcher at University College Dublin has been given a European award for her research into back and arthritis pain.
Duagh native Dr Mary O'Keeffe is a physiotherapist and pain researcher at UCD, and research projects officer for the European Pain Federation.
She’s been awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant worth €1.75 million to lead the PainSupportLink project.
The project, developed with patients, will explore how disadvantage contributes to back and arthritis pain; it’ll also build new, personalised ways to support those most affected.
The Kerry woman is one of four UCD researchers to receive a ERC Starting Grant, and one of just eight awardees in Ireland announced for this round of awards.
Dr O’Keeffe says she is honoured to receive this ERC grant, which makes it possible to take on this urgent challenge.
Dr Mary O'Keeffe. Photo credit: Jason Clarke
