Luke O’Neill

Professor Luke O’Neill is the Chair of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin, leading the School of Biochemistry and Immunology. He holds a B.A. (Mod.) in Natural Sciences (Biochemistry) from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of London. His research focuses on innate immunity, immunometabolism, and signal transduction in inflammation. He has pioneered studies on cytokines, inflammasomes, and the role of metabolic pathways in immune responses.

Key roles include founding the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (2011) and serving as Head of the School of Biochemistry and Immunology. He is a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin and the Royal Society (FRS). Notable awards include the Royal Irish Academy Gold Medal (2012), the Milstein Award (2018), and election to the European Molecular Biology Organization (2005).

His research integrates immunology and metabolism, exploring how metabolic reprogramming influences immune cell function. Recent work highlights itaconate’s role in suppressing inflammation and its antiviral properties. He is also involved in commercial ventures, co-founding Inflazome and Sitryx, targeting immunometabolic therapies.

• Education: B.A. (1st Class), Trinity College Dublin (1985); PhD, University of London (1988)
• Affiliations: Trinity College Dublin, Royal Society Fellow, European Molecular Biology Organisation Member
• Key Contributions: Discovery of cytokine signaling pathways, NLRP3 inflammasome biology, metabolic regulation of immunity

Publications span over 300 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on innate immunity’s molecular mechanisms. His outreach includes radio appearances and best-selling science books like Humanology (2018) and Never Mind the B*ll*cks (2020).