US-based Beckman Coulter, which makes biomedical testing systems, is to launch a four-year research programme with NUI Galway. IDA Ireland is supporting the project.
California-based Beckman Coulter makes equipment which simplifies and automates laboratory processes. It already has a facility in Galway.
The project will involve the creation of a research team of 10 Masters and PhD researchers and will focus on molecular diagnostics. This market, which is believed to have a potential worth of $2 billion a year, involves detecting molecules of DNA from bacteria, viruses and cancer cells.
