معرفی
Professor Aideen Sullivan is Head of the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at University College Cork (UCC). With a career spanning over two decades at UCC, she leads research on neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease, focusing on growth factors, stem cell applications, and epigenetic mechanisms. She established Ireland's first BSc in Neuroscience and co-developed the cross-College BSc in Medical and Health Sciences (CK707).
- BSc (First Class Honours) in Pharmacology, University College Dublin (1992)
- PhD in Neuropharmacology, University of Cambridge (1995)
Her research program investigates Parkinson's disease through five key themes: viral vector delivery of neurotrophic factors, molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection, biomarker discovery, neuronal degeneration models, and stem cell-based treatments. She has secured significant grants from Health Research Board, Enterprise Ireland, and the Wellcome Trust.
Recent publications (2022-2020) emphasize epigenetic regulation (HDAC inhibitors), microbiome-gut-brain axis interactions, and novel neurotrophic strategies. Articles highlight GDF5's neuroprotective effects, miRNA modulation, and molecular pathways like BMP-Smad and p38-MAPK.
Scientific awards include:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (UCC, 2006)
- FETAC Certificate in Peer-Mentoring (2010)
- Leadership Foundation Aurora Programme Scholarship (2015)
- Over €2 million in research grants
She mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students, chairs UCC's Athena SWAN 'Flexible Working' group, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Neuronal Signaling. Her work spans laboratory research, public engagement, and educational innovation.
