The content was not heavily methodological but rather set out the nature of a biological problem, the acquisition and regulation of iron by cells, and described how molecular mechanisms that underlay the three processes of the title could be investigated. At QUB hosts were Professor John McGarvey, Chemistry and Professor Jerry Davies, Biology and Biochemistry. At UCD, my host was Professor Paul Engel, Biochemistry. My host at UCC was Professor John Sodeau, Head of Chemistry and Professor Tom Cottle, Biochemistry. Unfortunately the latter had to be absent at short notice.
Irish science is on the threshold of a major expansion.
It was a very exciting time to visit. Wellcome Trust are also playing a role in levering funds from the Irish Government. The aim is to bring together a critical mass of high-quality researchers across traditional boundaries.