Catherine Mooney is a Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD), leading the Life Science Data Analytics Group (LiSDA). Her research focuses on applying machine learning to healthcare challenges, including biomarker development, clinical decision support systems, and addressing ethical and technical barriers in healthcare AI. Education: BSc in [field unspecified] from Trinity College Dublin PhD in Computer Science from UCD Prof Dip University Teaching & Learning from UCD Research Interests: Machine Learning applications in healthcare Biomarker discovery for neurological and metabolic conditions Explainable AI for clinical decision support Promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM education Her work bridges computational methods with medical challenges, emphasizing ethical AI and translational research. Notable Awards: Best Paper Award in Applied Biosciences (2023) UCD Long-Service Award (2022) Best Poster Award at ITiCSE ’20 (2020) Her research has led to impactful tools like LiSDA’s clinical decision support systems for epilepsy and pregnancy care. She also advocates for gender diversity in computing, serving in leadership roles like Vice Principal for EDI in UCD’s College of Science (2022–2024).
Dr. F. Jerry Reen serves as a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator in the School of Microbiology at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. With over two decades of academic experience since joining UCC's Department of Microbiology in 2002, he has established himself as a leading researcher in microbial communication systems and host-pathogen interactions. His research group operates within the BIOMERIT Research Centre, and he maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions in Ireland and internationally. Dr. Reen earned his BSc in Biochemistry at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), followed by a PhD in the Molecular GlycoBiotechnology Group at NUIG, supported by an Enterprise Ireland Scholarship and an NUI Teaching Fellowship. His academic journey includes a postdoctoral position in the lab of Dr. E. Fidelma Boyd at UCC, during which he was a visiting scientist at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in San Diego and received an IRCSET Postdoctoral Fellowship for bacteriophage-host interactions research. Dr. Reen's research focuses on deciphering communication systems underpinning polymicrobial-host interactions for human and ecosystem health, with particular emphasis on small molecule signaling in microbial communities. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with translational applications, targeting antimicrobial resistance through chemico-biological therapeutics and developing sustainable pharmaceutical production methods using marine biocatalysts. His research has evolved from early work on Vibrio species to current investigations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa signaling systems, bile acid interactions in cystic fibrosis, and marine enzyme applications in green chemistry. His laboratory's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with over 80 peer-reviewed papers (h-index 26), spanning from foundational studies on LysR-type transcriptional regulators to recent innovations in virtual reality educational tools. The research trajectory reveals an expanding scope from molecular microbiology to systems-level understanding of microbial communities, with increasing emphasis on sustainable solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. Bronze LEAF Award (2022) - Green Campus University College Cork The Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Award (2021) - National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning Purdy-Lucey UCC Life Sciences Invention of the Year 2015 (2016) Best Poster Exhibition (2012) - Royal Irish Academy National Researcher of the Year, Silver Medal (2011) - Roche BioSciences Researcher of the Year, Gold Medal (2011) - Roche Dr. Reen has successfully secured significant research funding from multiple sources including Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Health Research Board (HRB), Enterprise Ireland, and Irish Research Council. His current projects include 'BioBloc' enhanced Contact LEns solutioNS (BBCLENS), HEACOVID19, SSPC3 Pharm5, and investigations into novel macrolides for cystic fibrosis management. He has mentored numerous graduate students, including Stephanie Flynn (PhD, 2019), Noelle McCarthy (PhD, 2009), and David Woods (MSc, 2008), with two doctoral students currently completing their research. His educational innovations, particularly student-partnered virtual reality simulations, have transformed how challenging molecular concepts are taught. Dr. Reen leads an interdisciplinary research group that combines microbiology, chemistry, bioinformatics, and education technology. His team collaborates with internal UCC colleagues including Dr. Gerard McGlacken and Prof. Anita Maguire, as well as external partners from institutions like the University of Warwick, Medical University of Graz, and University de Porto. The laboratory maintains strong connections with clinical researchers studying cystic fibrosis and has developed novel approaches for detecting bacterial signaling molecules using boron-doped diamond electrodes.
Dr. Sabin Tabirca is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork (UCC). He holds a BSc from Bucharest University and a PhD from Brunel University. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Algorithmics, Interactive Media, and HCI, with applications in computational cancer modeling, mobile health (mHealth), and parallel computing. He coordinates MPT Activities and is affiliated with the CRR Group and BCRI Centre. Notable awards include UCC's President Award for Innovation in Teaching (2007), IT@Cork Leader Award (2008), and UCC Staff Recognition Award (2013). His teaching includes modules like Parallel and Grid Computing, Mobile Application Design, and Graphics for Interactive Media. Dr. Tabirca has supervised over 70 MSc students and numerous PhD candidates, many of whom now hold academic and industry roles globally. His research includes developing mHealth apps for cystic fibrosis patients, 3D cancer visualization tools, and frameworks for mobile parallel computing. Publications span mHealth design pipelines, cancer prediction models, and mobile gaming for health education. He actively engages in interdisciplinary projects, blending computer science with medical and biological applications.
Professor Aideen Sullivan is Head of the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at University College Cork (UCC). With a career spanning over two decades at UCC, she leads research on neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease, focusing on growth factors, stem cell applications, and epigenetic mechanisms. She established Ireland's first BSc in Neuroscience and co-developed the cross-College BSc in Medical and Health Sciences (CK707). BSc (First Class Honours) in Pharmacology, University College Dublin (1992) PhD in Neuropharmacology, University of Cambridge (1995) Her research program investigates Parkinson's disease through five key themes: viral vector delivery of neurotrophic factors, molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection, biomarker discovery, neuronal degeneration models, and stem cell-based treatments. She has secured significant grants from Health Research Board, Enterprise Ireland, and the Wellcome Trust. Recent publications (2022-2020) emphasize epigenetic regulation (HDAC inhibitors), microbiome-gut-brain axis interactions, and novel neurotrophic strategies. Articles highlight GDF5's neuroprotective effects, miRNA modulation, and molecular pathways like BMP-Smad and p38-MAPK. Scientific awards include: Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (UCC, 2006) FETAC Certificate in Peer-Mentoring (2010) Leadership Foundation Aurora Programme Scholarship (2015) Over €2 million in research grants She mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students, chairs UCC's Athena SWAN 'Flexible Working' group, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Neuronal Signaling . Her work spans laboratory research, public engagement, and educational innovation.
Tara McMorrow is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at University College Dublin's School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and a Conway Research Fellow. She serves as Director of the UCD Centre for Toxicology and Academic Director of graduate programs in Toxicology and Regulatory Affairs. Previously, she was Associate Dean of Science (2019-2024) and Chair of the UCD Academic Council Committee on Student Appeals and Complaints. Dr. McMorrow earned her BSc and PhD in Science from NUI Galway, with her 1995 PhD focusing on molecular biology funded by Enterprise Ireland. She completed postdoctoral work at Erasmus University in Rotterdam and at UCD before being appointed Lecturer in Pharmacology in 2005. She was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2014 and Associate Professor in 2016. She also earned a Graduate Diploma in University Teaching and Learning from UCD in 2013. Her research focuses on toxicology and the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) in toxicity testing, with particular expertise in renal toxicology, chemical carcinogenesis, primary cilia biology, and biomarker discovery. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, examining mechanisms of kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, and renal cancer. Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong emphasis on natural compounds like curcumin for cancer therapy, primary cilia as biomarkers for renal injury, and mechanisms of chemical-induced kidney damage. Dr. McMorrow has received numerous teaching awards including Teacher of the Year in 2013 and 2016, and has been recognized with UCD Seed Funding. She serves as an expert member of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's Chemical Safety sub-committee and is active in professional organizations including the Irish Society of Toxicology (where she served as President 2016-2018) and the European Society of Toxicologists. She actively teaches across multiple disciplines including Science, Medicine, Nursing, and graduate programs in Toxicology, Regulatory Affairs, and Biotechnology. Her leadership extends to curriculum development as she was previously the Curriculum Review and Enhancement Project Champion for graduate taught programs in the College of Science (2015-2017).
Brendan Murphy is a Full Professor in the School of Mathematical Sciences at University College Dublin since 2015, previously holding a Professor role at the same institution (2007-2015) and a Lecturer position at Trinity College Dublin (1999-2007). He is a Principal Investigator at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics and actively works in Machine Learning & Statistics. Research Focus: His work centers on Model-based clustering Mixture models Applications in sports analytics, food science, microbiome studies, and public health Bayesian statistical methods High-dimensional data analysis Article Trends: Murphy's recent publications (2024-2025) emphasize soft clustering techniques, Bayesian mixture models, and their applications across diverse domains including metabolomics, political science, and oceanography. His work addresses challenges in variable selection, robust classification, and multi-omics integration.
Andrew Parnell is a Professor at the Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University, and a funded investigator in three Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) centres: Insight Centre for Data Analytics, I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Centre, and VistaMilk Centre for Precision Pasture-based Dairy. His research bridges theoretical and applied domains. Research Areas: His work focuses on statistics and machine learning for large structured datasets, applied to: Climatology (sea level rise, extremes, paleoclimate analysis) Manufacturing (anomaly detection, real-time tool wear analytics) Bioinformatics (prostate cancer identification, SNP analysis) Learning Analytics (student progress monitoring) Quantitative Ecology (diet estimation, sediment tracing) Radiocarbon Dating (chronology modeling in archaeology) Funding & Commercialisation: He has secured over €1 million in direct funding and contributes to industry-academia collaborations through roles in startups Prolego Scientific (Chief Scientific Officer) and Atturos (Scientific Advisor). Technical Contributions: He develops open-source R packages for non-specialist users, emphasizing practical statistical tools for interdisciplinary applications. Interdisciplinary Impact: His work spans environmental science, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial analytics, with publications in high-impact journals like Science and Nature Communications.
Simon Furney is a researcher recruited through RCSI’s StAR (Studentship and Research) programme, specializing in Genomic Medicine and Cancer Bioinformatics. He holds advanced degrees from Trinity College Dublin, University of Manchester, and University College Dublin, and has conducted post-doctoral research at world-leading institutes. Research Focus: His work centers on next-generation sequencing (NGS) for cancer genome interpretation, with high-impact publications in Nature Methods , Molecular Psychiatry , and Nature . His interests span integrative genomics, cancer genetics, and computational biology. Education: B.A. from Trinity College Dublin M.Sc. from University of Manchester Ph.D. from University College Dublin Awards: He has received scientific awards for his contributions to genomic research, though specific details are not provided in the text.
Nicolae-Viorel Buchete is an Associate Professor of Theoretical & Computational Nano-Bio Physics at University College Dublin's School of Physics within the College of Science. He currently serves as Vice Principal for Graduate Studies for the College of Science and Director of the UCD MSc in Computational Physics Programme. His academic journey includes postgraduate degrees from Boston University (USA) and institutions in the EU (Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi, Romania, and the University of Patras, Greece), with a PhD from Boston University and research fellowships at the National Institutes of Health. His educational background includes: PhD from Boston University Research Fellowships at National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, MD, USA) Postgraduate degrees from Boston University, Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi (Romania), and University of Patras (Greece) Buchete's research focuses on theoretical and computational approaches to understanding biomolecular systems. His work spans theoretical and computational biological physics, chemical physics, and nanoscience , with specific emphasis on statistical mechanics and molecular dynamics of biomolecular systems, systems biology, structural bioinformatics, and multiscale modeling of biomolecules and complex fluids. His group employs advanced computational techniques including Markov State Models, Milestoning, and replica exchange molecular dynamics to study protein conformational dynamics, amyloid formation, and molecular mechanisms relevant to diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. His research output reveals a progression from fundamental biophysics toward increasingly translational applications. Early work focused on protein conformational dynamics, while more recent publications demonstrate expansion into nanomedicine applications, computational toxicology of nanomaterials, and physics-based modeling frameworks for drug delivery systems. A significant portion of his research involves studying conformational transitions in proteins relevant to cancer (such as K-Ras4B and Abl kinase) and neurodegenerative diseases (particularly amyloid systems), with growing emphasis on computational approaches to nanosafety and sustainability. His scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous awards: Certificate of Appreciation from the American Chemical Society Publications Division (2012) Top 20 JCP Reviewer for 2010 from the American Institute of Physics NIH Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE) in 2006 and 2007 ACS Chemical Computing Group Excellence Award (2003) Multiple teaching and research awards from Boston University including the Outstanding Teaching Fellow Award (1998) and Feldman Award (2001) Buchete has mentored numerous graduate students through their MSc and PhD research, with students successfully defending theses on computational physics and biomolecular modeling topics. His teaching philosophy emphasizes "research-oriented teaching," integrating research experiences into undergraduate and taught Master's level education. He has secured research funding including the UCD OBRSS Research Support Scheme (2016-2023) and has directed multiple educational programs including the UCD International Pre-Masters Programme (2013-2022) and served as School Head of Teaching and Learning (2021-2022). His research group is affiliated with the UCD Complex & Adaptive Systems Laboratory (CASL), where they develop and apply advanced computational methods to study complex biomolecular systems. The group has organized multiple CECAM workshops on biomolecular modeling and simulations, demonstrating leadership in the computational biophysics community. They collaborate extensively across disciplines, working with experimentalists to validate computational findings and address challenging problems in biophysics and nanomedicine.
Dr. Eoin (J.V.) Fleming is a Lecturer in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at University College Cork , with a joint appointment between the School of Biochemistry and the School of Pharmacy. He directs postgraduate programs in the BioPharmaceutical sector and has a research focus on protein quality control at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), particularly in relation to Hereditary Hemochromatosis and ubiquitin conjugating enzymes . BSc (Biochemistry, UCC, 1992) PhD (University of Aberdeen, 1996) His research investigates how proteins like HFE (linked to iron metabolism) and HDC (histamine synthesis) are regulated through degradation pathways. Projects include characterizing UBE2J2 proteasomal degradation and ER stress modulation in disease contexts. Funding includes grants from the Health Research Board (€244,358) and Irish Research Council (€24,000), with over €1.4 million total career research income. Recent publications highlight his work on ERAD pathways , histamine-related carcinogenesis , and iron metabolism regulation . Collaborations span institutions in Portugal, the USA, and Saudi Arabia. Supervision includes 3 PhD graduates ( Emer Cantillon , Shuet Yin Selina Lam , Louise Foley ) and 4 MSc graduates, with 5 current postgraduate students. He has served as an internal examiner for 15 PhD vivas and held leadership roles in the Irish Area Biochemical Society (Chair, 2013–2018). Teaching responsibilities include modules BC4010, BC4012 for Biochemistry, and PF6210, PF6616 for Pharmacy. He coordinates postgraduate programs such as the MSc in BioPharma Processing and CPD Certificates in BioPharmaceutical Technologies .
Dr. James Brown is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Limerick, affiliated with the Health Research Institute and Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre. His work focuses on oncobiology, molecular therapeutics, and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer. He holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD from Queensland University of Technology (Australia) and has postdoctoral training at the National University of Ireland. His research explores Tip60-dependent signaling in DNA repair and develops targeted inhibitors for breast cancer. He also emphasizes research-led teaching, integrating bioinformatics tools into undergraduate education, and was awarded the 2023 Individual Excellence in Teaching Award. Education: BSc, MSc, PhD (Queensland University of Technology) Postdoctoral Training (National University of Ireland) MA in Academic Practice, MSc in Leadership Development Research Interests: Combining fundamental and translational research to target breast cancer through epigenetic inhibitors, biomarker discovery (e.g., microRNA, AI-driven pathology), and genome stability mechanisms. His group's work bridges lab discoveries to clinical impact via pre-clinical trials and drug development. Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes clinical utility of biomarkers (e.g., neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios), Tip60's role in cancer, and trends in epigenetic inhibitor clinical trials. His 2024 review highlights Tip60 as a multi-action target for precision oncology. Awards: European Association for Cancer Research Award (2015) Individual Excellence in Teaching Award (2023) Scientist of the Week (2022) Travel Award (2018) Advising & Leadership: Guided postgraduate students to multiple publications and awards. Served on the Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) Senior Council (2017-2020), chairs the Athena Swan Self-Assessment Committee, and leads the Cancer Genome theme at ULCaN. Editorial roles include PLOS One and Frontiers in Cell Biology. Lab/Teams: Leads the Oncobiology and Molecular Therapeutics Group, collaborates internationally, and drives translational projects in breast cancer biomarkers and drug development.
Professor Niamh Moran is a leading academic at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), serving as a Professor in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and a member of the Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics department. Her academic roles have included Academic Director of the HEA Postgraduate Training Programme (2001–2007) and Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies (2013–2017). She holds a BSc (1983) and PhD (1987) from University College Dublin. Her research focuses on thrombosis, platelet biology, and vascular diseases, with contributions to integrin activation mechanisms, bioactive peptide delivery systems, and platelet secretome analysis. Key areas include understanding arterial thrombosis, platelet modulation in clinical scenarios like stroke and pregnancy, and cancer-cell-induced platelet activation. Her work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). Recent studies explore platelet activation in COVID-19, vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia, and the role of platelets in cancer metastasis. Over 97 publications and numerous grants highlight her impact, including funded projects on platelet function in cardiovascular systems and collaborations across disciplines. Professor Moran has supervised multiple PhD theses, including projects on vitamin D’s role in platelet function and cancer-cell-induced platelet secretion. She has pioneered educational initiatives, such as a unique PhD program in Biomedical Sciences and a Science Art initiative. Her lab and teams are integral to RCSI’s research ecosystem.
Stephen Madden is Senior Lecturer in Computational Biology at RCSI's Data Science Centre, holding a PhD from University College Dublin. His research applies bioinformatics and statistical approaches to cancer genomics and precision medicine. Key research areas include multi-omics integration in breast cancer, therapeutic target discovery, and predictive modeling of treatment response. Recent work examines extracellular vesicles in neonatal development, immunothrombosis mechanisms in hematologic malignancies, and implantable sensor technologies. Publications demonstrate expertise in proteomic profiling, preclinical model development, and computational method implementation. Teaching focuses on programming, transcriptomics, and genomics for biomedical students. He serves as Deputy Director for the MSc in Technologies and Analytics in Precision Medicine and supervises PhD projects in cancer systems biology.
Dr. Nicolae Viorel Buchete is an Associate Professor at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Physics . He serves as Vice Principal for Graduate Studies in the College of Science and leads UCD's Computational Physics postgraduate program . Buchete holds academic degrees from Boston University (PhD) , Al. I. Cuza University , and University of Patras . Current appointments: 2022-Present (Vice Principal), 2014-Present (MSc Program Director) Previous roles: NIH Research Fellow (2003-2008), Visiting Assistant Professor at Boston University (2009-2010) His research focuses on theoretical and computational biological physics with applications in nanoscience , molecular dynamics of biomolecular systems , and multiscale modeling of complex fluids . Recent work includes conformational kinetics of oncogenic proteins , physics-based modeling of nanocarriers , and amyloid peptide dynamics in Alzheimer's disease . Scientific Contributions: Developed advanced Markov State Models and Milestoning frameworks for long-time MD simulations Identified novel salt bridge mechanisms in kinase activation and drug resistance Explored piezoelectric properties of diphenylalanine nanostructures Teaching Innovation: Advocates for research-oriented teaching at both undergraduate and MSc levels. Coordinates modules including Computational Biophysics and Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics at UCD.
Aedin Culhane is a Professor of Biomedical Sciences (Cancer Genomics) at the University of Limerick School of Medicine. She leads the Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre and co-leads the all-island eHealth-Hub for Cancer. Her expertise spans computational oncology, multi-omics data integration, and clinical bioinformatics, with over 20 years of experience in cancer genomics, including roles at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, USA. Education: PhD in Cloning and Characterisation of Interleukin-18 in rat brain, University of Manchester Research Interests: Cancer computational genomics, digital health, single-cell genomics, spatial biology, tumor microenvironment, immune-oncology, and open science initiatives like Bioconductor and OHDSI. She focuses on algorithm development for integrative multi-omics data analysis and translational oncology, including tumor drug resistance mechanisms and CAR-T cell therapies. Recent Article Trends: Her work emphasizes spatial profiling of cancer microenvironments, CAR-T cell engineering, and genomic minimal datasets for precision oncology. Key themes include immune response modulation, Myc activity regulation in treatment persistence, and CRISPR-based functional genomics. Awards: Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN) Open Science Award (2023) Bioconductor Community Award (2021) Grants & Collaborations: Leads the €730,000 Chan Zuckerberg Initiative-funded eHealth-Hub for Cancer. Active in the 1+ Million Genomes Program and Genomic Data Infrastructure (GDI) projects. Collaborates internationally in spatial profiling and multi-omics integration through hackathons and open-source initiatives. Labs & Teams: Directs the Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre, a hub for AI-driven cancer research and translational genomics. Engages with global networks like the Human Cell Atlas and National Spatial Profiling Platform.
