Donal O'Shea

Prof. Donal O'Shea is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Previously, he held roles including Head of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry at RCSI and Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at University College Dublin (UCD). He earned a PhD (1993) and BSc (1990) in Chemistry from University College Galway.

His research focuses on synthesizing complex molecules for applications in fluorescence-guided surgery, light-activated anti-cancer agents, and nanomedicine. Key areas include near-infrared fluorophores, drug delivery systems, and collaborations with medical imaging. He has led initiatives like the Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology at UCD and contributed to projects on exosome imaging and anti-microbial agents.

Recent publications highlight innovations in fluorescence imaging probes, vaping health risk modeling, and bioorthogonal reactions. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health).

Awards include the 2012 North/South Ireland Lectureship, Teacher of the Year (2008, 2011), and multiple visiting professorships. He has secured grants totaling millions, including SFI-funded projects on super-resolution imaging and colorectal cancer diagnostics.

Prof. O'Shea oversees RCSI's Chemistry Department and collaborates internationally. His lab develops tools for real-time cellular imaging and targeted drug delivery, with applications in surgery and oncology.