Mark Mooney

Mark Mooney is a Professor within the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast (QUB), leading research on food safety and chemical contaminant monitoring. He holds a BSc in Biotechnology (Dublin City University, 1995), an MSc in Biomedical Sciences (University of Ulster, 1996), and a PhD (University of Ulster, 2000). His career includes roles at the University of Ulster (Wellcome Trust research position) and the University of Strathclyde before joining QUB in 2005.

Research focuses on applying bioanalytical and mass spectrometric techniques to detect contaminants in food/animal supply chains. Key projects include metabolomic analysis for drug detection in animals (since 2015) and immunochemical techniques for biomarker measurement (2010–present). He leads the Institute for Global Food Security's initiatives on chemical contaminant monitoring and emerging food production systems.

Teaching responsibilities include courses like 'Advanced Food Bioanalysis' and 'Food Safety, Health, and Disease.' He administers the MSc in Advanced Food Safety program, coordinating modules on literature reviews and research projects.

• Key Projects:
  • Metabolomic analysis for forensic detection of drugs in animals (2015–ongoing)
  • Rapid immunochemical techniques for heterocyclic amine exposure (2010–ongoing)
• Grants & Collaborations: Focus on animal forensics, cattle disease diagnosis, and salmon vaccination strategies.

His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and sustainable systems.