Tomas Zurawski

Tomas Zurawski is an Assistant Professor at the School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University (DCU), with a career spanning molecular neurobiology and biotherapeutic development. He has contributed extensively to understanding peripheral nervous system communication and clostridial toxin pharmacology.

• Education: BSc in Systematic Biology & Ecology (1997), MSc in Systematic Zoology & Ecology (1999) from Masaryk University, and a PhD in Parasitology (2002) from Queen’s University Belfast.

His research focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms of peripheral nerve signaling and developing novel botulinum neurotoxin-based biotherapeutics to address overactive nerve-related disorders. He has pioneered bioassays to evaluate toxin efficacy in motor and sensory neurological conditions. Recent publications highlight his work on CGRP release, SNAP-25 cleavage, and chimeric neurotoxin designs for chronic pain and hyperexcitability disorders.

Scientific awards include:

• DCU Invent Commercialisation Award (2022) for licensing to Allergan
• DCU OVPR Life Sciences Award (2009)
• Erasmus/Socrates Scholarship (2001)
• Marie Curie Fellowship (2002)

He has served on DCU committees including the Animal Welfare Body, BioResource Advisory Group, and Biosafety Committee. His expertise in Rab GTPases and membrane trafficking has informed therapeutic strategies for neurological and immune disorders.