Joseph Byrne

Dr Joseph Byrne is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Bioinorganic Chemistry at University College Dublin's School of Chemistry, appointed in January 2023. He also holds a Conway Fellowship at the UCD Conway Institute from August 2023 to July 2026. Previously, he was a Science Foundation Ireland Starting Investigator at University of Galway where he held positions as an Adjunct Lecturer and Honorary Research Lecturer.

Dr Byrne's research focuses on the intersection of carbohydrate chemistry and coordination chemistry, specifically developing carbohydrate-functionalized metal complexes as diagnostic and therapeutic tools against bacteria and other pathogens. His work addresses antimicrobial resistance by targeting bacterial lectins with metal-based glycoconjugates that function as molecular sensors and anti-adhesives. The research is funded by Irish Research Council, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Higher Education Authority/Shared Island Fund, with support from CÚRAM Centre for Medical Device Research. His group is also part of the Innogly and GlycoNanoProbes COST Action network.

His recent research has demonstrated significant findings including Ru(II) btp complexes with anti-biofilm effects, europium(III) dpa complexes with activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and galactoside Tb(III) complexes that function as luminescent lectin sensors. His work spans fundamental chemistry to potential biomedical applications in pathogen detection and treatment.

• Science Foundation Ireland Starting Investigator Research Grant
• Marie Skłodowska–Curie Individual Fellowship
• RSC Mobility Grant

Dr Byrne has supervised several graduate students including Dr. Karolina Wojtczak (PhD, thesis on metal-based glycoconjugates), Dr. Rosy Polisicchio (PhD, thesis on lanthanide-functionalized vitamin B12 probes), and Thomas Rabbitte. His research group actively participates in scientific conferences, most recently presenting multiple papers at ECC-9 in Dublin (July 2024). Beyond research, Dr. Byrne co-organized the first-ever 'Ceimic as Gaeilge' event discussing chemical research through the Irish language and participates in STEM outreach activities including hosting school students for hands-on chemistry experiences.