Keith Murphy

Professor Keith Murphy is a leading academic at University College Dublin, affiliated with the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and the Conway Institute. As head of the UCD Neurotherapeutics Research Group, he pioneers work on drug targets for neurological disorders.

• Professor of Neuropharmacology (2018–present)
• Co-Director, UCD Centre for Applied Neuroscience (2015–present)
• Theme Leader for Neuroscience Research (2011–present)

His research spans drug addiction, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, and memory consolidation, utilizing animal models, in vivo gene editing, and proteomic analysis. Recent work on cocaine-induced neurodevelopmental damage and midkine's role in memory demonstrates his focus on synaptic plasticity mechanisms.

Key scientific contributions include:

• 2006: Rafaelsen Scholarship for neuropharmacology research
• 2016: Discovery of REST as hypoxia-responsive repressor
• 2025: Groundbreaking prenatal cocaine organoid study

As an educator, he coordinated modules like Advanced CNS Pharmacology and Professional Career Development, mentoring future biomedical scientists. Current grants include SFI funding (2024–2027) for GDF-15/GFRAL signaling research in neuroprotection.