معرفی
Professor Richard Porter is a distinguished academic in the field of Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin. He serves as a Professor in Biochemistry and previously held significant leadership roles including Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Biochemistry & Immunology (Postgraduate) from 2004-2008 & 2016-2017, and Head of Biochemistry from 2011-2017. Elected as a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin in 2007, he has been a lecturer and Principal Investigator at Trinity since 1997. His academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Trinity College, followed by a Ph.D. with Prof. John M. Scott focusing on carbon-one metabolism, and a three-year postdoctoral position at the University of Cambridge with Prof. Martin D. Brand.
His educational background includes:
- Undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Trinity College Dublin
- Ph.D. with Prof. John M. Scott in carbon-one metabolism
- Postdoctoral position at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge with Prof. Martin D. Brand
- Health Research Board (HRB) Fellowship in Prof. Clive William's laboratory in Trinity
Professor Porter's research spans several interconnected areas of biochemistry and metabolism, with a particular focus on mammalian energy metabolism. His work explores the molecular basis of metabolic rate, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and the role of uncoupling proteins in various physiological contexts. A significant portion of his recent research investigates cancer metabolism, particularly the role of interleukin-6 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and the metabolic programming that enables cancer cells to resist anoikis (cell death due to detachment). His laboratory has also made groundbreaking discoveries in equine genetics, identifying the biochemical basis of the "speed gene" in Thoroughbred horses, which has led to practical applications in the equine industry.
His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from fundamental studies on mitochondrial function and uncoupling proteins toward more applied research in cancer metabolism and equine performance genetics. Recent work shows increasing focus on translational applications, with several projects moving toward clinical trials, particularly in the area of cancer cachexia where his team has identified cannabinoid analogues that can prevent muscle wasting in cancer patients.
Professor Porter's scientific achievements have been recognized through several prestigious awards:
- Fellow of Trinity College Dublin (2007)
- Provost Teaching Award commendation from Trinity College Dublin (2014)
- Shortlisted for Knowledge Ireland (KTI) Award (2018)
- Lucker-Cobbe Award
As an educator and mentor, Professor Porter has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students whose work appears in his publication record. His research is supported by a substantial grant portfolio exceeding €0.5 million, with funding from diverse sources including Science Foundation Ireland, The Health Research Board, Teagasc, Trinity College Dublin, Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership Programme (in collaboration with Plusvital), and Artelo plc. He has also consulted for Price Waterhouse Coopers in the area of R&D Tax Credits, demonstrating the commercial relevance of his work.
Professor Porter leads a dynamic research group that includes postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, and students. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations with prominent international laboratories, both academic and industrial. Notably, his work on equine genetics has resulted in the discovery that led to the world's first nutrigenomic product for Thoroughbred horses (EnerGene-Q10 by Plusvital). His research group is currently involved in the Cancer Appetite Recovery Study (CAReS), a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial investigating a synthetic cannabinoid analogue for preventing cancer cachexia.
