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Professor Annette Byrne is a leading academic at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences , where she serves as Professor of Physiology and Head of the Precision Cancer Medicine (PCM) Group. She has held this position since 2019 after progressing through roles as Lecturer (2008), Senior Lecturer (2013), and Associate Professor (2017). Her research focuses on precision medicine approaches for colorectal and brain cancers , integrating multi-modality molecular imaging , Next Generation Sequencing , and patient-derived xenograft models . PhD in Cell Biology (University of York, 1999) John Kerner Fellowship in Gynaecologic Oncology (UCSF, 1999-2001) Scientist at Pharmacyclics Inc. (2001-2003) Senior Scientist at Angion Biomedica Corp. (2003-2005) Principal Investigator at UCD Conway Institute (2005-2008) Her research interest lies in precision cancer medicine , particularly elucidating predictive biomarkers (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic) and identifying novel therapeutic targets . Key methodologies include radiomics , fluorescence-guided surgery , and systems modeling of apoptosis pathways. She has pioneered Ireland's first Tumour Xenograft Facility and Translational In Vivo Imaging Centre . Recent publications highlight her work on cross-species radiomics , cell-free DNA analysis , and glioblastoma microenvironment subtyping . Her Marie Curie networks (Gliotrain, Glioresolve) and COLOSSUS project have trained 25+ PhD researchers in brain cancer therapeutics. Over €45M in national/international grants Member of Royal Irish Academy (2025) Highly cited in Cancer Discovery , Annals of Oncology , and Nature journals She supervises multiple PhD candidates and leads the RCSI Precision Cancer Medicine Group , which utilizes computational approaches and molecular imaging to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Her GLIORESOLVE and EDIReX projects focus on tumor microenvironment manipulation and distributed PDX infrastructure.

• Precision Medicine
• Molecular Imaging
• Angiogenesis
• +7 more

Dr. Jamie O'Sullivan is a Lecturer and Principal Investigator at the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Her research focuses on the bidirectional interactions between coagulation pathways and cancer metastasis, particularly involving von Willebrand Factor (VWF) in diseases like cancer, malaria, and inflammatory conditions. She holds a BSc in Biomedical Science from University College Cork and a PhD in Haematology from Trinity College Dublin, supported by an Irish Research Council scholarship. Notable awards include the 2018 Martin Villar Haemostasis Award and a Novartis Fellowship. Education: PhD in Haematology, Trinity College Dublin (2015) BSc Biomedical Science, University College Cork (Ireland) BSc Biomedical Science, Cork Institute of Technology (Ireland) Research Interests: Her work explores VWF's roles in cancer metastasis, thrombosis, and vascular biology. Key areas include VWF clearance pathways, endothelial-tumor interactions, and therapeutic targeting of VWF in diseases like multiple myeloma and breast cancer. Grants & Funding: Her lab is supported by grants from Science Foundation Ireland, the Irish Research Council, and industry collaborations. Ongoing projects include studies on the VWF-ADAMTS13 axis in cancer-associated thrombosis and the role of tinzaparin in breast cancer metastasis. Awards: 2018 Martin Villar Haemostasis Award Novartis Fellowship (2017–2019) Labs & Teams: The O'Sullivan Lab is part of the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, collaborating with international groups like KU Leuven University. She also leads the StAR Programme in RCSI, training future researchers in vascular biology.

• Vascular Biology
• Hematology
• Cancer Biology
• +5 more

Prof. Fergal O'Brien is a distinguished academic and administrator at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Professor of Bioengineering & Regenerative Medicine. He leads the Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), one of Ireland's leading groups in biomaterials and regenerative medicine. His career includes a PhD in bioengineering from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), a Fulbright Scholarship at MIT/Harvard, and over 310 peer-reviewed publications. He has supervised over 60 doctoral students and holds an h-index of >95. His research focuses on biomaterials for tissue repair, gene-activated scaffolds, and spinal cord injury regeneration, with notable contributions to bone, cartilage, and cardiovascular engineering. Education: BAI in Mechanical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (1997) PhD in Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin (2001) Research Interests: Prof. O'Brien’s work spans bio-reactor technology, biomolecule delivery, and biomechanics. He is pioneering gene-activated scaffolds for spinal cord repair, antibiotic-free bone scaffolds, and 3D-printed neural interfaces. His team collaborates with industry and patient groups (e.g., Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust) to translate research into clinical applications, such as bioengineered tracheal scaffolds and anti-inflammatory therapies. Key Contributions: Developed a neurotrophic scaffold with electrical stimulation for spinal cord repair (presented at TERMIS World Congress 2024). Recipient of four ERC grants and the 2025 Colles Medal for academic excellence. Co-founder of three start-ups commercializing regenerative technologies. Awards & Roles: Member of the Royal Irish Academy (2018) Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering (2023) Editorial board member for Biomaterials , Materials Today Bio , and others His work emphasizes patient and public involvement (PPI) in preclinical research, as seen in collaborative spinal cord projects guided by patient advisory groups. Current projects include miRNA-based therapies for epidermolysis bullosa and pancreatic cancer studies funded by EU Horizon Europe.

• Bioengineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials
• +3 more

Christian Waeber is a Professor of Pharmacology at University College Cork (UCC), with a joint appointment between the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. He currently serves as Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. His research focuses on sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor signaling in cerebrovascular disorders, stroke neuroprotection, and neuroinflammation. Waeber's work bridges basic science and clinical applications, including the development of therapies targeting S1P receptors for stroke and migraine. He has contributed to understanding the role of fingolimod in stroke recovery and immune modulation. His studies also explore the mechanisms of preconditioning and the neuroprotective effects of S1P signaling pathways. Research Interests: S1P receptor biology, ischemic stroke, neurovascular interactions, immune modulation in brain injury, and migraine pathophysiology. Waeber leads projects investigating the therapeutic potential of S1P modulators and the role of regulatory T cells in stroke outcomes. He collaborates on clinical studies analyzing immune profiles post-stroke to improve patient recovery strategies. Professional Contributions: Over 200 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact articles on S1P signaling and neuroprotection. Active in translational research, Waeber bridges pharmacology and clinical practice, with a focus on drug development for stroke and neurodegenerative conditions. He has contributed to textbooks on headache mechanisms and cerebral blood flow methods.

• Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling
• Cerebrovascular disorders
• Stroke neuroprotection
• +4 more

Dr. Sweta Rani is a Lecturer in the Department of Science at South East Technological University, leading research in ocular therapeutics and biomarker discovery. Her work focuses on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dry eye disease, and cancer therapeutics, with expertise in extracellular vesicle biology and nanomedicine approaches. Research integrates molecular diagnostics, drug delivery systems, and patient-centered approaches. Current projects investigate combination therapies for AMD, nanoparticle-based ocular drug delivery, and miRNA biomarkers in disease progression and treatment response. She directs studies on immune modulation in wet AMD using glatiramer acetate. Honors include the Barcroft Medal from Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland, Best Business Opportunity Award, and Irish Association for Cancer Research Travel Award. With an h-index of 20 and over 3,200 citations, she has published 25+ peer-reviewed articles and contributed to 7 book chapters.

• Ocular Therapeutics
• Biomarker Discovery
• Drug Resistance Mechanisms
• +3 more

Dr. Nicolae Viorel Buchete is an Associate Professor at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Physics . He serves as Vice Principal for Graduate Studies in the College of Science and leads UCD's Computational Physics postgraduate program . Buchete holds academic degrees from Boston University (PhD) , Al. I. Cuza University , and University of Patras . Current appointments: 2022-Present (Vice Principal), 2014-Present (MSc Program Director) Previous roles: NIH Research Fellow (2003-2008), Visiting Assistant Professor at Boston University (2009-2010) His research focuses on theoretical and computational biological physics with applications in nanoscience , molecular dynamics of biomolecular systems , and multiscale modeling of complex fluids . Recent work includes conformational kinetics of oncogenic proteins , physics-based modeling of nanocarriers , and amyloid peptide dynamics in Alzheimer's disease . Scientific Contributions: Developed advanced Markov State Models and Milestoning frameworks for long-time MD simulations Identified novel salt bridge mechanisms in kinase activation and drug resistance Explored piezoelectric properties of diphenylalanine nanostructures Teaching Innovation: Advocates for research-oriented teaching at both undergraduate and MSc levels. Coordinates modules including Computational Biophysics and Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics at UCD.

• Theoretical and Computational Biological Physics
• Chemical Physics
• Nanoscience
• +6 more

Professor Alexandra Butler is a faculty member at RCSI Bahrain, affiliated with the College of Medicine and the Department of Pathology. Her research focuses on diabetes and metabolic disorders, biomolecular research, and biopolymer research. Research Trends: Her recent publications investigate microRNA dynamics in diabetes, inflammatory markers in polycystic ovary syndrome, hypoglycemia effects, vascular inflammation in coronary disease, and nutritional interventions for metabolic disorders. Scientific Awards: Featured in 'World’s Top 2% Scientists' list published by Stanford University

• Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders
• Biomolecular Research
• Biopolymer Research
• +3 more

Prof Helena Kelly is a Professor of Pharmaceutics and Head of the School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences at RCSI. She holds leadership roles including Deputy Head (Programmes Innovation) and has spearheaded international collaborations such as the International College for Pharmaceutical Innovation (ICPI). Her research focuses on drug delivery platforms combining hydrogels with medical devices, with a particular emphasis on translational applications. As co-founder and CSO of OncoLize, she commercializes ChemoGell, a thermoresponsive hydrogel for intratumoral drug delivery. Her work spans EU consortia leadership (e.g., AMCARE and DRIVE) and industry experience in pharmaceutical process development. She has developed innovative academic programs like the MSc in Technologies and Analytics in Precision Medicine (TAPM) and BSc in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies (ATT), supported by a €7.8m HEA award. Education: BSc (Pharm) from Trinity College Dublin (1998), PhD in Pharmaceutics (2002), followed by industry roles at Shire Pharmaceuticals and Leo Pharma before joining RCSI in 2008. Certified as a registered pharmacist (MPSI). Research Interests: Novel drug delivery systems, biomaterials, nanomedicine, and translational research. Key areas include stimuli-responsive hydrogels, cancer therapy, and regenerative medicine applications. Her innovations aim to address unmet clinical needs in oncology, cardiovascular repair, and diabetes. Grants & Collaborations: Led a €7.8m HEA Human Capital Initiative for pharmaceutical education innovation, coordinated EU projects AMCARE (FP7) and DRIVE (H2020), and established international partnerships in China through RCSI-Soochow collaborations. Active in Erasmus+ exchange programs and student mobility initiatives. Labs & Teams: Principal Investigator in biomaterials and drug delivery research groups, leading interdisciplinary teams at RCSI and through OncoLize. Collaborates with industry partners and academic networks across Europe and Asia.

• Bioengineering
• Biomaterials
• Drug Delivery
• +3 more

Dr. Jennifer Dowling is a Lecturer in Immunology and Biotherapeutics at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), affiliated with the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and the Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics department. She leads the Brain inflammation Group Ireland (BIGie), focusing on neuroinflammation and macrophage biology in neurological diseases and injury. Dr. Dowling holds a BSc in Biotechnology and a PhD in Immunology from Dublin City University, followed by postdoctoral research at Trinity College Dublin and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research in Australia. Key roles include Council Member of Neuroscience Ireland and Guest Editor for a neuroimmunology research topic. Her research focuses on macrophage function in neuroinflammation, including hypoxic brain injury mechanisms and inflammatory pathways in diseases like multiple sclerosis. Notable achievements include securing a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship for the 'OxyBaby' project (2020–2022) and receiving RCSI awards for Innovation and Early Career Research. Over 30 peer-reviewed publications span immunology, neurobiology, and biomaterials, with emphasis on inflammasomes, arginase-2 modulation, and neuroimmune interactions. Teaching contributions include health professions education certifications and supervision of PhD students in projects involving arginase-2 in cancer metastasis, miR-155 in neonatal seizures, and ulcerative colitis pathogenesis. Active grants include funding from Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, and Horizon 2020 for projects targeting chronic inflammation and CNS repair strategies.

• Immunology
• Neuroinflammation
• Macrophage Biology
• +6 more

Dr. Adrian Dervan is a Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. His research focuses on neural regeneration, biomaterial development, and spinal cord repair strategies using advanced tissue engineering approaches. He investigates biomimetic scaffolds, electroconductive materials, and stem cell therapies to promote neural tissue repair and functional recovery. Dr. Dervan's research interests span bioinformatics, genomics, biomolecule delivery, neuroscience, and stem cell biology. His work primarily targets spinal cord injury mechanisms and develops innovative therapeutic strategies involving VEGF-activated scaffolds, iPSC-derived astrocytes, and electrical stimulation systems. Key research areas include neural tissue engineering, immunomodulation, neurotrophic factor delivery, and 3D bioprinting for neural applications. Analysis of Dr. Dervan's recent publications reveals consistent themes in spinal cord repair, biomaterial science, and regenerative neuroscience. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in scaffold design, incorporating conductive MXene composites and 3D-printed architectures. Recent methodological advancements include patient engagement frameworks for preclinical research, reflecting a translational focus. Dr. Dervan has secured multiple research grants including: Development of AI-based deep learning analytical methods for spinal cord vascular detection (Anatomical Society, 2025) Student Selected Projects exploring spinal cord regeneration mechanisms (RCSI, 2022-2025) Harnessing scar tissue for GDNF expression in spinal injuries (Physiological Society, 2022) He leads the spinal regeneration research team within the Biomaterials, Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals Sciences cluster, collaborating with neurosurgeons, materials scientists, and bioengineers to develop next-generation neural repair technologies.

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Genetic Analysis
• +4 more

Dr. Nicolas Aristokleous is a Lecturer in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at South East Technological University (SETU), Ireland. His research lies at the intersection of engineering and medicine, focusing on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applied to cardiovascular systems and biomedical problems. The research interests of Dr. Aristokleous are deeply rooted in Computational Fluid Dynamics , Hemodynamics , and Biomedical Engineering . He specializes in modeling blood flow, wall shear stress, and oscillatory flow in vascular structures such as aneurysms, stenoses, and surgical bypasses. His work extends to clinical applications, including pre-interventional planning for Fontan procedures and in silico tumor modeling. He also investigates sustainable energy solutions for aquaculture, indicating interdisciplinary engagement beyond biomedicine. His recent publications show a strong trend toward integrating CFD with medical imaging data (e.g., 4D-flow MRI) to enhance clinical decision-making. The articles span cardiovascular modeling, tumor therapeutics, and sustainable marine engineering, demonstrating both depth in biomedical simulation and breadth in applied fluid dynamics. Many of his studies involve patient-specific geometries and digital twins, reflecting a move toward personalized medicine. Dr. Aristokleous has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. He has contributed to significant research projects, particularly in clinical CFD applications and sustainable aquaculture energy systems. While no formal grants are listed, his collaborations with medical institutions and involvement in high-impact studies suggest active research funding. He has co-authored works with researchers across Europe, indicating strong external collaboration networks. Dr. Aristokleous is involved in research teams focused on hemodynamic modeling and biomedical simulation. His work with 4D-flow MRI and clinical CFD tools suggests participation in translational research labs bridging engineering and cardiology. He contributes to developing fast, clinically viable simulation tools for surgical planning.

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Hemodynamics
• Wall Shear Stress
• +12 more

Professor Nicholas Dunne is the Chair of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and Deputy Dean at Dublin City University (DCU), leading the School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering. He is also the Founding Executive Director of Biodesign Europe and Executive Director of DCU's Medical Engineering Research Centre. Additionally, he holds adjunct roles at Trinity College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast. His research focuses on biomaterials for orthopaedic applications, drug delivery systems, and bone regeneration, with notable contributions to nanoparticle-based therapies and biomaterial interfaces. Dunne has secured over €37.5M in research funding and authored +250 peer-reviewed publications. He is a Fellow of multiple societies and has received awards such as the RAEng/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2010). His work bridges materials science, engineering, and biology, with applications in chronic wound healing, bone metastases, and non-union fractures. Education: PhD from Queen's University Belfast, Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching (QUB), B.Sc. (Hons) from Athlone Regional Technical College. Professional Roles: Editor of Biomaterials Advances , Board Member of Regenerative Biomaterials , and member of the European Society for Biomaterials Council. Research Interests: Multidisciplinary biomaterials development for therapeutic responses, with emphasis on: Host/biomaterial interface mechanisms Therapeutic nanoparticle delivery systems 3D bioprinting for tissue engineering Smart hydrogels for on-demand drug release Grants & Funding: €19M as Principal Investigator (PI) and €18.5M as Co-Investigator, supported by EU, SFI, Innovate UK, and industry partnerships. Labs & Teams: Leads the Medical Engineering Research Centre (MedEng) and collaborates with Trinity Centre for Bioengineering and Queen's University Belfast's Advanced Materials clusters. Active in Biodesign Europe initiatives for medical innovation.

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthopaedic Applications
• Drug Delivery Systems
• +6 more

Professor Derek Nolan is a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin . He has dedicated over two decades to studying Trypanosoma brucei , the causative agent of human sleeping sickness and veterinary trypanosomiasis. His research spans parasite bioenergetics, surface protein function, endocytosis, and host-parasite interactions. PhD in Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin under H. Paul Voorheis EMBO Fellow (1992) in Etienne Pays' group, Brussels Marie Curie Fellow (1994) in Brussels Senior Fellow at Trinity College Dublin (2001–present) His work has elucidated critical mechanisms of T. brucei biology, including iron/lipoprotein acquisition, flagellar pocket dynamics, and immune evasion via metabolite secretion. He has contributed to understanding drug resistance and metabolic reprogramming in trypanosomes. Recent publications highlight interactions between parasite-derived metabolites (indolepyruvate, hydroxyphenylpyruvate) and host immune pathways (Nrf2/HO-1, COX2), offering new therapeutic strategies. Collaborative efforts include developing anti-trypanosomal compounds and characterizing the TrypanoCyc metabolic database. Scientific Awards: EMBO Long-term Fellowship (1992) Marie Curie Fellowship (1994) Contact: denolan@tcd.ie

• Bioenergetics
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• +12 more

Michael Keogh is Associate Professor in Human Biology at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Bahrain campus, where he also serves as Director of Research Laboratories. He leads the Regenerative Medicine laboratory and the Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG-Bahrain), establishing himself as a key figure in biomedical research in the Gulf region. Educational Background: PhD in Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine from RCSI, Ireland (2010) MSc in Occupational Health from National University of Ireland Galway (2003) BSc in Biotechnology from National University of Ireland Maynooth (2002) Research Focus: Dr. Keogh's research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas with primary focus on regenerative medicine and tissue engineering . His work encompasses adipose stem cell applications , diabetes-related complications , aging mechanisms , and neuropathy treatments . He develops gene-activated biomaterials for soft tissue wound healing, utilizing angiogenic and neurogenic scaffolds combined with adipose stem cell constructs. Additionally, his research extends to photodynamic therapy for metastatic inhibition in breast and prostate cancers, and public health interventions focused on solar water disinfection technologies. Research Articles Analysis: His publication portfolio demonstrates a clear trajectory from foundational tissue engineering research (2010-2011) focusing on collagen scaffolds and osteogenesis, through translational research in regenerative therapies (2015-2018) involving stem cell applications and gene-activated scaffolds for diabetic wound healing, to recent work (2019-2021) incorporating genetic analysis and advanced biomaterial systems. The research spans from bench-scale biomaterial development to clinical applications and public health interventions. Collaborations & Leadership: Dr. Keogh maintains extensive research collaborations including Think Pink Breast cancer society Bahrain, AMBER (Advanced Materials & BioEngineering Research), 3U Partnership, European Commission SFERA, University of Limerick, Arabian Gulf University, and Al-Jawahara Centre. He currently holds multiple roles including Senior Lecturer in Human Biology, Manager of RCSI research laboratories, and RSS supervisor for research summer school programs.

• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering
• Adipose Stem Cells
• +7 more

Dr. Fiona Freeman is an Associate Professor and Ad Astra Fellow in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD). She holds additional roles as a Conway Fellow, European Research Council Starter Grant Awardee, and Principal Investigator in UCD's Centre for Biomedical Engineering. Her research focuses on osteosarcoma therapies, biomaterial design, and 3D bioprinting for bone and cartilage regeneration. She earned her BEng in Biomedical Engineering (2011) and PhD from NUI Galway (2016), followed by postdoctoral fellowships at MIT, Trinity College Dublin, and Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital. Research Interests: Osteosarcoma immunotherapy, nanoparticle delivery systems, organ-on-a-chip models, and developmental engineering strategies for bone regeneration. Her lab develops patient-specific tumor models and novel therapies targeting bone cancer. Key collaborations include work with Hooke Bio and Trinity College Dublin. Awards & Grants: ERC Starter Grant (2022), Ad Astra Fellowship (2022), SFI Centre Investigator (AMBER), and multiple industry-funded projects. Her work has led to over 30 peer-reviewed publications and patents in bioinks and tumor models. Teaching: Coordinates 'Tissue Engineering' modules and supervises PhD researchers in biomaterials and cancer biology. Active in peer review for journals like Acta Biomaterialia and Advanced Healthcare Materials .

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomaterial Design
• 3D Bioprinting
• +7 more