Michael Freeley

Michael Freeley is an Associate Professor at Dublin City University (DCU) within the School of Biotechnology. He holds a B.Sc. (First Class Honours) in Biotechnology from DCU and a PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology from RCSI. His career includes postdoctoral research at RCSI and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), where he contributed to understanding T-cell activation and migration mechanisms. At DCU, he has led academic roles including Programme Chair of the M.Sc. in Diagnostics and Precision Medicine (2018–2024) and currently serves as Teaching Convenor in the School of Biotechnology.

Education:

• B.Sc. (First Class Honours), Biotechnology, DCU
• PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

Research Interests: The Freeley laboratory focuses on T-cell-driven inflammatory diseases (e.g., Atopic Dermatitis, Multiple Sclerosis) and cancer immunotherapy. Key projects include:

• Collaborations with Almirall and Atomwise to develop small-molecule inhibitors targeting T-cell activation
• Genetic engineering of T-cells to recognize cancer cells, funded by the Irish Research Council
• Investigations into T-cell migration and inflammatory pathways

Recognition:

• Government of Ireland Academic Mobility Programme (2017)
• Trinity College Dublin Med Day Award (2014)
• Donald Weir Research Medal (2007)

Grants & Collaborations: Active partnerships with Almirall, Atomwise, and Queen’s University Belfast. Significant contributions to drug-screening technologies and precision medicine initiatives.

Labs & Teams: Leads the Freeley Lab, fostering training and innovation in T-cell biology, with opportunities for students and researchers.