Martina Scallan

Martina Scallan is a Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology at University College Cork (UCC), where she has been an active faculty member since 1997. She teaches and examines over 500 undergraduate students annually, delivering modules in Virology, Epidemiology, and Microbial Pathogenesis, and supervises final-year research projects in Microbiology and Biomedical Science. She also contributes to postgraduate programs including the M.Sc. in Molecular Cell Biology, Bio-innovation, and Biomedical Science.

• B.Sc. in Biochemistry, University of St. Andrews, Scotland (1987)
• Ph.D. in Virology, Medical Research Council, Institute of Virology, Glasgow, Scotland (1991)

Her research expertise lies in molecular and classical virology, with a focus on virus-host interactions, viral vectors for gene therapy, and cell culture systems. She established a Category II Virus Research Laboratory at UCC, supporting research into therapeutic applications for cancer, neurodegeneration, and genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and cystinosis. Recent projects include the use of 3D culture systems for virus-vector production and gene editing using ZFNs and CRISPR/Cas9.

Her recent publications (2010–2013) emphasize gene editing for cystic fibrosis and cystinosis, viral vectors in cancer immunotherapy, and molecular virology of hepatitis C and neurotropic viruses. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend combining virology, molecular biology, immunology, and translational medicine.

• New product and process development in animal cell bioprocessing and tissue engineering – Enterprise Ireland (€6,500)
• Permanent correction of 80% of disease-causing mutations in human CF cells – Cystic Fibrosis Trust (€59,000)
• Gene repair Conference – Health Research Board (€14,000)
• Cystinosis Gene Repair – Other (€110,329)
• Towards a cure of Cystinosis – Health Research Board (€148,425)
• Pathogenesis – Science Foundation of Ireland (€666,077)
• HEA Cycle 3 Project – Higher Education Authority (€170,769)

Martina Scallan has supervised 9 PhD and 9 M.Sc. students to completion, including notable graduates such as Katrin Kaschig, Sara Collins, and Jennifer Hollywood, whose work focused on gene repair and viral vectors. She has served on key academic committees including the School of Microbiology Teaching, Learning and Student Experience (TLSE) Committee and the Teaching & Curriculum Development Committee. Her lab fosters collaboration within UCC and internationally, particularly in the development of innovative viral vector platforms for therapeutic use.