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Laverne Jacobs, PhD, is a Full Professor at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Law where she holds the Research Chair in Disability Equality & Administrative Justice. She serves as the founder and Director of the Law, Disability & Social Change Project, a research and public policy center dedicated to fostering inclusive communities. Notably, Professor Jacobs was elected to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2022, becoming the first Canadian to serve on this UN Human Rights Treaty Body. She also serves as Co-Director of the Disability Rights Working Group at Berkeley Law's Center for Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law and previously held the position of Associate Dean (Research & Graduate Studies) for the Faculty of Law from 2018-2021. B.A. (Honours), McGill University, 1994 LL.B., McGill University, 1999 B.C.L., McGill University, 1999 Ph.D., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 2009 Professor Jacobs' research sits at the intersection of disability equality law and administrative law and justice, characterized by an interest in the everyday work of the administrative justice system and the lived experiences of people who use it, particularly persons with disabilities. Her work spans disability rights, administrative justice, human rights law, socio-legal theory, and empirical research methodologies. She has made significant contributions to understanding accessibility legislation, transportation inequality, post-secondary education access for students with disabilities, and the implementation of disability equality principles in administrative decision-making. Her scholarship bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical applications, emphasizing citizen participation in policy development and the importance of inclusive design in legal systems. Analysis of Professor Jacobs' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on how administrative law can better serve persons with disabilities through inclusive design and accessible processes. Her work demonstrates growing attention to intersectional issues, particularly how women with disabilities experience administrative systems, and increasingly examines the implementation challenges of accessibility legislation across Canadian jurisdictions. She frequently employs empirical research methods to ground her legal analysis in real-world experiences of marginalized communities. Scientific Awards and Honors: Canadian Bar Association Touchstone Award (2021) Canadian Association of Law Teachers (CALT) Academic Excellence Award (2022) Hummingbird Award from the Disabled Women's Network of Canada (DaWN), 2022 Election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2022) Professor Jacobs has held significant leadership roles including service on the Board of Directors of the Income Security Advocacy Centre and the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice. Through her role as Director of the Law, Disability & Social Change Project, she has secured research funding to support policy-relevant scholarship on disability rights and administrative justice. Her work has influenced accessibility legislation development across Canada, particularly through her annotated version of the Accessible Canada Act. She provides expert consultation to government bodies and international organizations on disability rights implementation. The Law, Disability & Social Change Project serves as Professor Jacobs' primary research hub, bringing together interdisciplinary scholars, disability advocates, and policy makers to develop practical solutions for creating more inclusive legal and administrative systems. The project has produced numerous research reports, policy briefs, and public resources that translate academic research into actionable recommendations for improving accessibility and disability equality in Canadian society.

• Disability Equality Law
• Administrative Law
• Human Rights Law
• +8 more

Professor Francis Butler is a Full Professor at University College Dublin's School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, where he has been since 1990. His academic roles include research leadership in food safety, food chain integrity, and microbial risk assessment. He leads the UCD Institute for Food and Health and the UCD Centre for Food Safety as a Principal Investigator. Education: BE, Grad Dip University Teaching & Learning, MBA, and PhD from University College Dublin. Research Focus: His work centers on food safety hazards, quantitative risk assessment, and next-generation sequencing for pathogen identification. Recent projects include Listeria monocytogenes growth modeling, norovirus in oysters, and hepatitis E in pork products. He has secured over €6 million in research grants, including EU-funded projects like FOODINTEGRITY and SIGMACHAIN. Awards & Recognition: European Food Safety Authority Fellowship, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship, and UCD Teaching Grant. He coordinates international educational programs, including the UCD MSC Food Safety and Risk Analysis. Professional Activities: Member of EFSA advisory committees, editorial boards (e.g., Microbial Risk Analysis ), and international conference chairs. His work bridges academia, industry, and policy to enhance food safety standards globally.

• Food Safety
• Food Chain Integrity
• Microbiological Risk Assessment
• +6 more

Professor Fionnuala Dillane is a leading scholar in nineteenth-century British literature and culture, periodical studies, memory studies, and gender, based at the School of English, Drama and Film, University College Dublin. She holds the academic rank of Professor and is actively engaged in research, teaching, and academic leadership. She currently serves as Academic Director of the UCD Writing Centre and Chair of the UCD Press Editorial Board, and previously served as Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities (2017–2020). Her collaborative research spans institutions including Ghent University, Newcastle University, and the University of Iceland. Her research interests include: Nineteenth-century British literature and culture Periodical studies and media history George Eliot and Marian Evans Memory studies and trauma Gender and sexualities Contemporary crime fiction Her recent publications explore affect in periodical encounters, editorial identities, transnational periodical research, and the literary afterlives of George Eliot. The trends in her work reveal a sustained engagement with print culture, narrative form, emotional communities, and the politics of memory. She is currently editing the Handbook of Transnational Periodical Research (Brill, 2026). Her scientific awards include: University Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning, UCD (2017) Shortlisted for European Award in Teaching Excellence (2017) College of Arts and Humanities Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2017) Dillane has secured significant research grants, including from the Irish Research Council for her project on George Eliot and the Periodical Press, 1846–60 , and on The Future of Data Humanities . She has supervised doctoral students such as David Mitchell and mentors emerging scholars in periodical studies and trauma fiction. She has pioneered innovative teaching initiatives, including the first internship programmes for UCD Arts and Humanities undergraduates and the development of the UCD Writing Centre, now permanently funded. She is also deeply involved in national and international advocacy for the humanities, serving on editorial and advisory boards such as the Journal of Victorian Culture , the Memory Studies Association, and the European Society for Periodical Research.

• Nineteenth-Century British Literature and Culture
• Periodical Studies
• Media History
• +12 more

Niamh Pattwell is Associate Professor and Head of School at the School of English, Drama and Film, University College Dublin. She holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and has been a faculty member at UCD since 2004, progressing from Lecturer in Old and Middle English to her current role. Her academic leadership extends to curriculum development, postgraduate teaching, and serving on university committees, including the Board of Trustees for UCD Volunteer Overseas. Her educational background includes a BA, H.Dip.Ed., H.Dip.T.Rel.Ed., and MA from University College Cork, and a PhD from Trinity College Dublin. She taught secondary school in Co. Wexford and Co. Cork before transitioning to higher education, holding teaching fellowships at Queen’s University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin. Niamh Pattwell's research focuses on the circulation and transmission of vernacular religious prose in the late Middle Ages. She has developed expertise in codicology, palaeography, and manuscript fragment studies, particularly through her work with Marsh's Library and the Index of Middle English Prose at Trinity College Dublin. Her scholarship explores the production, readership, and theological context of both orthodox and Wycliffite texts. Her recent publications show a consistent focus on Middle English religious prose, manuscript provenance, and the material culture of books. She has contributed to the Year's Work in English Studies and published on fragments, personal notebooks, and devotional texts, reflecting a deep engagement with the material and spiritual dimensions of medieval manuscripts. National Digital Learning Resources Award (2012) Broad Curriculum Post-doctoral Teaching Fellow, Trinity College Dublin (2003–2004) Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences Postgraduate Scholarship (1999–2002) Niamh Pattwell has successfully supervised postgraduate students to MA and PhD completion and has led curriculum innovation at UCD, including the development of research-based modules on medieval manuscript fragments. She has secured internal research grants such as the HoS Research Support Scheme and has been actively involved in organizing major academic events, including the Early Book Society Biennial Conference in 2019 and 2023. Her teaching includes modules on King Arthur, medieval literature, and animal narratives, emphasizing student engagement with primary texts. She collaborates with institutions such as Marsh's Library and Trinity College Dublin and has contributed to public engagement through radio appearances and public lectures. Her work bridges academic research, teaching innovation, and cultural heritage preservation.

• Medieval English Literature
• Middle English Religious Prose
• Vernacular Religious Writings
• +12 more

Dr. Selja Seppälä is a Lecturer in Business Analytics within the Department of Business Information Systems at Cork University Business School, University College Cork. She specializes in Natural Language Processing, applied ontology, terminology, and corpus studies with applications across multiple domains including linguistics, legal informatics, biomedical informatics, and education. Her research focuses on developing AI technologies that combine Large Language Models and other NLP techniques with curated ontologies to enhance data quality, transparency and trustworthiness in information systems. Dr. Seppälä currently leads the AI-LIEN project, which uses AI-powered technologies for learning analytics, and collaborates on projects investigating the impact of AI on organizations and legislative review. Natural Language Processing (NLP) Applied Ontology and Terminology Corpus Studies AI Technologies for Information Systems Large Language Models integration Legal Informatics applications Dr. Seppälä's scholarly contributions include 43 publications in international outlets and 27 open-source research artifacts. Her work has secured approximately €500,000 through competitive research grants, demonstrating significant impact in her field. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Career-FIT Fellow (2019-2022) Dr. Seppälä serves on the editorial board of Applied Ontology (IOS Press) and as Communication Co-officer and Substitute Auditor for the International Association for Ontology and its Applications (IAOA). She actively contributes to academic service as a reviewer for journals including the European Journal of Information Systems and Terminology, and regularly participates in program committees for international conferences focused on computational linguistics, natural language processing, applied ontology, and financial technology applications. At UCC, she contributes through the development of the CUBS Canvas Template and membership in the CUBS Digital Learning & Teaching Committee.

• Natural Language Processing
• Applied Ontology
• Terminology
• +8 more

David Lillis is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD). His research focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and their applications in legal and forensic contexts. He leads projects like CeADAR (Ireland’s Applied AI Center) and the Transpire project, collaborating with organizations such as Corlytics and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. He holds adjunct roles as a Guest Professor at Beijing University of Technology’s Data Mining and Security Lab and has been a Fulbright Scholar at the University of New Haven’s Cyber Forensics Research and Education Group. Education: B.A. (Hons) in Law and Accounting, University of Limerick Higher Diploma in Computer Science, UCD M.Sc., Ph.D. in Computer Science, UCD Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning, UCD Research Interests: Legal AI, digital forensics, machine learning, multi-agent systems, and information retrieval. Recent work includes NLP for regulatory analysis, crop yield prediction via neural networks, and AR-driven decision support systems. Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator: Transpire (AI Platform for Regulation) SFI Funded Investigator: CONSUS (Crop Optimization) PI: CeADAR Technology Centre Teaching roles include Deputy Programme Director for Software Engineering at Beijing-Dublin International College (BDIC) since 2014. Labs & Groups: UCD Forensics and Security Research Group, ML-Labs (SFI Centre for ML Training), and the Data Mining and Security Lab (BJUT).

• Natural Language Processing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Forensics
• +4 more

Dr. Lucy Hederman is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), affiliated with the O'Reilly Institute. Her research focuses on leveraging data and documents to support clinical decision-making, particularly in healthcare knowledge work. She has led interdisciplinary projects addressing data integration for rare diseases (e.g., ANCA-vasculitis, MND) and socio-technical challenges in adopting patient-generated health data (PGHD) into clinical practice. Dr. Hederman has secured over €xxxk in research funding and leads the Heterogeneity and Interoperability (H&I) challenge in the SFI-funded ADAPT 2 Centre. Her educational background includes advanced studies in computer science and healthcare informatics, though specific degree details are not explicitly stated in the text. She has supervised 4 PhDs, 2 research MScs, and co-supervised 6 PhDs, while currently mentoring 8 graduate students. Her career includes founding TCD spinouts PBOC and BIOLOGIT, which align with her research in health informatics and technology. Key research interests include: Interdisciplinary collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and technologists Data harmonization for multi-national clinical studies (e.g., FAIRVASC, Precision-ALS) Development of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) Design of mobile health (mHealth) tools for underserved populations Recent work emphasizes FAIR principles for healthcare data and socio-technical factors influencing PGHD adoption. She has contributed to over 70 peer-reviewed publications and actively participates in initiatives like the EU-funded TRANSFORM project and HRB Primary Care Research Centre. Dr. Hederman’s professional memberships include the Irish Computer Society, ACM, and Healthcare Informatics Society of Ireland. Her research has impacted healthcare practices in Ireland, with many MSc student projects influencing local health services.

• Health Informatics
• Clinical Decision Support Systems
• Healthcare Data Integration
• +3 more

Olga Ryazanova is a Lecturer in Management at Maynooth University School of Business and currently serves as Social Sciences Associate Dean of Strategy and Governance. She holds a PhD from University College Dublin and an MA from the State University Higher School of Economics. Her research focuses on strategic management of higher education institutions, particularly the interplay between individual academic careers and organizational outcomes. Key areas include scientific performance measurement, societal impact governance, and doctoral education. Dr. Ryazanova has secured significant funding through projects like the SFI-funded '(In)visible work: understanding and measuring research translation into policy' (2024-2026) and the EU H2020 CHAMELEONS project. She has published in prestigious journals such as Academy of Management Learning & Education , Research Policy , and Journal of World Business , earning awards including the Global Forum Award (2014, 2018) and Carolyn Dexter Award finalist status (2016). Teaching : Courses include Business Models, Innovation Management, and Quantitative Research Methods for PhD students. Editorial Roles : Associate Editor of Academy of Management Learning & Education (2020-2026) and editorial board member for British Journal of Management and Research Policy . Leadership : Served as Secretary and Research Coordinator for the Academy of Management's Management Education & Development Division. Her research consistently addresses systemic challenges in academia, including career capital development, international mobility impacts, and equitable recognition of Global South scholars. She actively collaborates with institutions globally through projects analyzing research networks and doctoral employability.

• Strategic Management of Higher Education Institutions
• Academic Careers
• Doctoral Education
• +4 more

Dr. Kevin N. Cawley is Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies and Director of the Irish Institute of Korean Studies at University College Cork since 2011. He is a founding member of the 'Society for the Study of Pre-modern Asia' at the University of Oxford and serves as editor of Korean Philosophy for the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Originally from County Armagh, Ireland, he completed his undergraduate degree at Trinity College Dublin in French and Irish, and earned his Masters and PhD in Korean Studies from the University of Sheffield. Dr. Cawley's research focuses on Korea's intellectual history, examining philosophical and religious traditions through contemporary critical theory. His work explores the interplay between Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism, Christianity and Neo-Confucianism in the late 18th/early 19th century, and the complexities of translating religious concepts across East Asian languages and cultures. He has developed a unique methodological approach adapting Jacques Derrida's 'de-construction' to address inter-cultural translational challenges. His research also extends to gender and sexuality, ethnicity and identity in Korean contexts. His publications demonstrate significant scholarly impact, particularly his 2019 book Religious and Philosophical Traditions of Korea which reached No. 5 on Amazon's 'hot new releases' in religion and spirituality. His recent work has focused on transnational East Asian studies, Catholicism in pre-modern Korea, and contemporary Korean soft power. The publications show consistent engagement with both historical Korean thought and its contemporary relevance across multiple disciplines including religious studies, philosophy, gender studies, and cultural studies. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Korea Foundation Award for Korean Studies Language Program 2022-2024 Academy of Korean Studies: SEED Program - $120,000.00 One Asia Foundation Lecture Series: $40,000.00 Korea Foundation Fellowship for Korean Studies 2015-2017 $90,000.00 Dr. Cawley has secured over €400,000 in research funding throughout his career and has served as editor for multiple academic journals including the Irish Journal of Asian Studies and Asian Ethnicity . He has organized numerous international conferences, including the North American Korean Philosophy Association Annual Conference at UCC. His media engagement includes regular interviews with RTE, BBC, and Korean media outlets on Korean affairs, demonstrating his role as a public intellectual bridging academic scholarship and public understanding of Korea.

• Korean Intellectual History
• Korean Philosophy
• Korean Religious Traditions
• +7 more

Tim O'Sullivan is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University College Cork (UCC), holding joint appointments in the School of Pharmacy and School of Chemistry. He specializes in medicinal chemistry, natural products synthesis, and drug development targeting parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases. His research focuses on Chagas disease, cystic fibrosis-related biofilm inhibition, and anti-HIV therapies. Dr. O'Sullivan holds a BSc in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Limerick and a PhD in natural products synthesis from the Australian National University. His academic career includes postdoctoral roles at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, followed by a research manager position at UCD before joining UCC in 2006. He has secured significant grants from bodies like the Irish Research Council and Horizon 2020, totaling over €1M. Notable recognitions include the SEFS Student-nominated Staff Award (2022) and the Tetrahedron Award (2008). Research interests span synthesizing bioactive compounds, developing novel antiparasitics (e.g., Plakortide P analogs), and disrupting bacterial quorum sensing to combat antibiotic resistance. Collaborations involve institutions like the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Leibniz Institute in Germany. He mentors multiple PhD students and teaches courses in pharmaceutical chemistry and organic synthesis.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Natural Products Synthesis
• Anti-parasitic Drug Development
• +3 more

Dr Gëzim Visoka serves as Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dublin City University (DCU), where he also completed his PhD in Politics and International Relations. A prolific scholar, he has authored or co-edited 10 books, published 25 journal articles, and contributed 20 book chapters, establishing himself as a leading voice in critical peace studies and state recognition theory. Education: PhD in Politics and International Relations, Dublin City University Visoka's research interrogates the intersections of peacebuilding, state formation, and global governance, with particular emphasis on diplomatic recognition practices, the foreign policy of small states, and Kosovo's contested statehood. His critical approach challenges liberal peacebuilding paradigms while exploring emancipatory alternatives through concepts like 'normal peace' and 'peace multitudes,' grounded in extensive fieldwork across the Western Balkans. Analysis of his recent publications reveals three dominant trajectories: 1) Theoretical innovations in state recognition/derecognition dynamics, 2) Critical examinations of 'counter-peace' as systemic obstruction to conflict resolution, and 3) Investigations into micro-level normalization practices in post-conflict settings. His work consistently bridges high theory with empirical studies of Kosovo, demonstrating how everyday state-making practices intersect with international governance structures. Dr Visoka holds influential editorial positions including Associate Editor of Peacebuilding journal, editor of Routledge Studies in Statehood book series, co-editor of Rethinking Peace and Conflict Studies , and editor-in-chief of the Palgrave Encyclopaedia of Peace and Conflict Studies . Complementing his academic work, he maintains 15+ years of practical engagement with civil society organizations and policy institutions in post-conflict environments, providing critical insights into transitional justice implementation and peacebuilding effectiveness.

• Peace and conflict studies
• Peacebuilding
• Critical theory
• +5 more

Dr. Chanel Watson is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Director in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), where she also serves as Deputy Director of Academic Affairs and coordinates Erasmus activities. She holds a Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education from Maynooth University (2020) and has additional postgraduate qualifications in Healthcare Ethics and Health Professions Education. Her research focuses on nursing education and prescribing practices, employing qualitative methodologies. She currently co-supervises 3 PhD students and is the primary supervisor for an additional 3. Dr. Watson has held roles in research ethics committees, including appointment to the National Research Ethics Committee for clinical trials in 2024, and has led national initiatives in nurse prescribing education frameworks. She has secured grants totaling over €1.6M for projects including nurse prescribing programs, gerontology education, and clinical trial coordination. Dr. Watson is an external examiner at multiple universities and actively reviews submissions for journals like Nursing Ethics and Journal of Nursing Education and Practice . Her professional engagements include leadership in national healthcare education reforms and international conference speaking engagements. Education: MSc in Healthcare Ethics and Law, RCSI (2004–2006) Post Graduate Diploma in Health Professions Education, RCSI (2014–2015) Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education, Maynooth University (2016–2020) Research Interests: Dr. Watson’s work emphasizes advancing nurse and midwife prescribing education, healthcare ethics, and clinical trial coordination. She has pioneered programs such as Ireland’s first Professional Certificate in Musculoskeletal Casting and Splinting. Her qualitative research explores nurse-patient interactions in acute care settings and the impact of burnout on pediatric nursing outcomes. She advocates for evidence-based practices in pain management and patient safety. Grants & Awards: €968,830 National Tender for PGDip Gerontology (2024) €450,000 Sexual Assault Forensic Nurse Examiner Education (2025) €225,180 Residential Care Education (2024) Fellowship of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Committees & Leadership: National Lead for Nurse/Midwife Prescribing Competency Framework (HSE/NMBI) Member of National Research Ethics Committee CT-D External Examiner for University of South Wales and University College Cork

• Nursing & Midwifery Education
• Healthcare Ethics
• Nurse Prescribing
• +3 more

Assoc. Prof. Nhien An Le Khac is an Associate Professor at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin. He serves as Programme Director for the MSc in Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation, which has trained over 1,500 law enforcement officers globally. His research focuses on cybersecurity, digital forensics, AI security, and secure healthcare IT systems. He holds a PhD from Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (France) and has supervised 9 PhD students. His work includes pioneering contributions to electromagnetic side-channel analysis (EM-SCA) for IoT forensics, blockchain forensics, and AI-based fraud detection. Education: BSc/MSc: Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City PhD: Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble, France Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning: UCD Research Interests: Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, AI Security, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics, Healthcare IT Security. Recent Article Trends: Focus on EM-SCA for IoT device forensics, illicit Bitcoin transaction tracking, and cross-device ML portability. His work bridges theoretical AI advancements with practical forensic applications, emphasizing privacy preservation and explainable AI. Awards & Recognition: World’s Top 2% Scientists (2024) UCD Teaching Excellence Awards (2022, 2018) Best Paper Awards at Elsevier, AI-2022, and DFRWS conferences Grants & Advising: Principal Investigator on grants like Cloud Atlas, CERBERUS, and Urban ARK. Advised 9 PhD students who now work in academia/research globally. Active in funding initiatives like ML-Labs (SFI-funded). Labs & Teams: Leads ASEADOS Lab and maintains datasets like EM-SCA and InSDN. Collaborates globally on forensic frameworks and cybersecurity tools.

• Cybersecurity
• Digital Forensics
• AI Security
• +6 more

Dr. Marie-Luce Paris is Associate Professor in Law at UCD Sutherland School of Law and Director of the UCD Centre for Human Rights. A comparative constitutional law expert, she holds a PhD from University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas and completed legal training at the Ecole D'Avocats Du Barreau De La Cour D'Appel De Paris. Her research examines constitutional systems, human rights frameworks, and European public law through comparative methodologies. She has held visiting positions at UC Davis School of Law and Australian National University. Recognized for promoting Franco-Irish legal education, she was awarded France's Ordre des Palmes Académiques. She teaches Comparative Constitutional Law, ECHR Law, and French Public Law while supervising PhD candidates in public law and human rights. She has published in leading journals including Yearbook of European Law and German Law Journal. Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques UCD Seed Funding Award Trophées Femmes 3000

• Comparative Constitutional Law
• Human Rights Law
• European Public Law
• +2 more

Dr. F. Jerry Reen serves as a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator in the School of Microbiology at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. With over two decades of academic experience since joining UCC's Department of Microbiology in 2002, he has established himself as a leading researcher in microbial communication systems and host-pathogen interactions. His research group operates within the BIOMERIT Research Centre, and he maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions in Ireland and internationally. Dr. Reen earned his BSc in Biochemistry at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), followed by a PhD in the Molecular GlycoBiotechnology Group at NUIG, supported by an Enterprise Ireland Scholarship and an NUI Teaching Fellowship. His academic journey includes a postdoctoral position in the lab of Dr. E. Fidelma Boyd at UCC, during which he was a visiting scientist at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in San Diego and received an IRCSET Postdoctoral Fellowship for bacteriophage-host interactions research. Dr. Reen's research focuses on deciphering communication systems underpinning polymicrobial-host interactions for human and ecosystem health, with particular emphasis on small molecule signaling in microbial communities. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with translational applications, targeting antimicrobial resistance through chemico-biological therapeutics and developing sustainable pharmaceutical production methods using marine biocatalysts. His research has evolved from early work on Vibrio species to current investigations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa signaling systems, bile acid interactions in cystic fibrosis, and marine enzyme applications in green chemistry. His laboratory's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with over 80 peer-reviewed papers (h-index 26), spanning from foundational studies on LysR-type transcriptional regulators to recent innovations in virtual reality educational tools. The research trajectory reveals an expanding scope from molecular microbiology to systems-level understanding of microbial communities, with increasing emphasis on sustainable solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. Bronze LEAF Award (2022) - Green Campus University College Cork The Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Award (2021) - National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning Purdy-Lucey UCC Life Sciences Invention of the Year 2015 (2016) Best Poster Exhibition (2012) - Royal Irish Academy National Researcher of the Year, Silver Medal (2011) - Roche BioSciences Researcher of the Year, Gold Medal (2011) - Roche Dr. Reen has successfully secured significant research funding from multiple sources including Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Health Research Board (HRB), Enterprise Ireland, and Irish Research Council. His current projects include 'BioBloc' enhanced Contact LEns solutioNS (BBCLENS), HEACOVID19, SSPC3 Pharm5, and investigations into novel macrolides for cystic fibrosis management. He has mentored numerous graduate students, including Stephanie Flynn (PhD, 2019), Noelle McCarthy (PhD, 2009), and David Woods (MSc, 2008), with two doctoral students currently completing their research. His educational innovations, particularly student-partnered virtual reality simulations, have transformed how challenging molecular concepts are taught. Dr. Reen leads an interdisciplinary research group that combines microbiology, chemistry, bioinformatics, and education technology. His team collaborates with internal UCC colleagues including Dr. Gerard McGlacken and Prof. Anita Maguire, as well as external partners from institutions like the University of Warwick, Medical University of Graz, and University de Porto. The laboratory maintains strong connections with clinical researchers studying cystic fibrosis and has developed novel approaches for detecting bacterial signaling molecules using boron-doped diamond electrodes.

• Microbial Communication Systems
• Polymicrobial-Host Interactions
• Small Molecule Signaling
• +9 more