Scientists at NUI Maynooth are involved in a new vaccine to combat whooping cough.
They have worked with colleagues in Europe to come up with Child Innovac, which is administered up the nose.
It means it can be given to more people at a lower cost, and the first phase of human trials has just been completed.
Whooping cough is most common amongst children and babies, and can be fatal, particularly in those less than 12 months old.