Paul O'Toole is a Professor of Microbial Genomics and Principal Investigator at the APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork. His research focuses on the gut microbiome's role in health, aging, and disease, particularly in the context of diet and probiotics. He leads projects like the ELDERMET study on elderly nutrition and the NU-AGE project exploring Mediterranean diets' anti-aging effects. He holds a BA (Mod.) from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD from Lund University, with postdoctoral training in Canada and New Zealand. Key grants include studies on dairy-derived microbiota, probiotic strain improvement, and microbiome analysis in aging populations. He has published extensively on Lactobacillus genomics, gut-brain interactions, and microbiome-driven health outcomes. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with clinical applications, emphasizing translational research. Scientific highlights include discovering microbiome links to cognitive decline, demonstrating dietary modulation of gut microbes to combat obesity, and identifying keystone species in healthy aging. He advocates for sustainability in conservation and food systems, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to global health challenges.
Dr. Francisco Vitor Santos da Silva is a Senior Lecturer at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, with a joint appointment between the School of Microbiology and the School of Engineering and Architecture. He holds a PhD from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (2017, Summa Cum Laude) and a first-class honours degree from Federal University of Paraná (2012). His research focuses on reducing uncertainty in bioprocess development through hybrid modelling techniques combining first-principles and statistical inference. He has contributed to novel strategies for monoclonal antibody capture and sustainable biopharmaceutical production. Key academic milestones include a FAPESP postdoctoral fellowship (2018) and leadership roles in the Bernal Bio Labs at University of Limerick. His work has been published in journals like Journal of Chromatography A and supported by grants from FAPESP and CAPES. He actively engages in science communication, including Wikipedia contributions and public outreach events. Dr. da Silva teaches bioprocess design using modern data-driven approaches and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals. His research spans bioprocess optimization, PAT implementation, and sustainable chemical/biotechnological processes for food and pharmaceuticals. Education: BSc (Hons) Bioprocess Engineering & Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná (2012) PhD (Summa Cum Laude), Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (2017) Awards: Top Student of the Year Award, Federal University of Paraná (2012) Summa Cum Laude PhD Distinction (2017) Grants: FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018) CAPES Brazil grants His professional activities include organizing international conferences, reviewing PhD funding applications, and advising on industry collaborations. He leads UCC's efforts in integrating cutting-edge simulation tools into bioprocess education and research.
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.
Prof. Cormac Gahan is a Professor at the School of Microbiology, University College Cork (UCC), and a Principal Investigator at the APC Microbiome Institute. He holds editorial roles in journals like Journal of Pathogens and Microbiome . His research focuses on host-microbe interactions, microbial pathogenesis, and bacterial vaccine development. Prof. Gahan has published 167 peer-reviewed articles, with an h-index of 75 and over 19,000 citations. Education: PhD in Immunology and Microbiology from UCC (1996). Affiliations: APC Microbiome Institute, School of Pharmacy (UCC). Research Interests: Bile acid metabolism, bacterial pathogenesis (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes), live bacterial vaccine vectors, gut microbiota dynamics. His work bridges microbiology, immunology, and clinical therapeutics. Grants & Funding: Over €13.5M from SFI, EU, Health Research Board, and industry partnerships. Current grants include EU Horizon 2020 projects and APC Microbiome initiatives. Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Bile Research Group and collaborates with institutions like Cork Cancer Research Centre and Teagasc. Directs the UREKA summer school program for microbiology training.
Professor Jerry Murphy serves as Director of MaREI, the Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, and holds the Chair in Civil Engineering at University College Cork (UCC), a position held by only 12 individuals in 175 years. As Principal Investigator for Advanced Fuels in the Circular Economy, he leads a major research initiative with significant international impact. MaREI, initiated in 2013 under his leadership, has generated over €130 million in competitive research funding and will graduate its 300th PhD in 2025. Professor Murphy's research focuses on Circular Economy, Energy and Environmental Systems, with particular expertise in Biofuels and Biomethane. His work spans from fundamental research on anaerobic digestion and biogas production to practical applications in industrial decarbonization and renewable energy systems. He has established the Circular Economy, Energy, and Environmental Systems research Group at UCC in 2007, creating a hub for interdisciplinary research that addresses critical challenges in energy transition and climate change mitigation. Analysis of Professor Murphy's publication record reveals a strong focus on innovative approaches to renewable energy production, particularly in the areas of biomethane production, circular bioenergy systems, and integration of biological and electrochemical processes. His recent work demonstrates increasing emphasis on practical implementation challenges, including seasonal variability in biomass availability, industrial decarbonization pathways, and policy frameworks for renewable energy adoption. There's a clear progression toward more integrated systems thinking, with recent publications emphasizing cascading circular bio-systems that maximize resource efficiency. Engineers Ireland Excellence Award (2015) Excellence in Marine Research (2017) Adjunct professor of University of Southern Queensland (2018) International Advisor to DBFZ (2019) Fellow of Irish Academy of Engineers (2019) Mary B Upton Visiting Professorship in Cornell University (2024) Visiting Professor at International Energy Agency (2024) Professor Murphy has supervised approximately 35 PhD researchers and currently leads a team of 20 researchers in circular economy, energy and environmental systems. His research portfolio includes over €1 million in industry research funding and extensive collaboration with government agencies. Notably, he has represented Ireland at the International Energy Agency Bioenergy since 2007 and led the Biogas Task from 2016-2018 and 2019-2021, growing it to 19 countries and authoring/ editing 18 IEA Bioenergy reports. His MaREI Centre represents a significant research infrastructure, functioning as a thirteen-University/Institute collaboration with 250 researchers. Professor Murphy has successfully guided MaREI through six international reviews and secured funding for MaREI phase II (2019-2024). His work bridges fundamental research with practical implementation, particularly evident in his collaborations with industry partners like Gas Networks Ireland and Bord Gais.
Niall O'Leary is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator in the School of Microbiology at University College Cork (UCC), with affiliations to the Environmental Research Institute and the SUSFERM biotechnology centre. His research focuses on microbial community ecology for wastewater treatment and circular economy solutions in the agri-food sector, alongside innovations in technology-enhanced education. He holds an MA in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2014) and has secured significant grants, including SFI funding for wastewater-based epidemiology and EPA support for dairy wastewater valorization. Education: BSc (Hons) Microbiology (1996), PhD Microbiology (2001) from UCC, followed by postdoctoral research. Advanced teaching qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma (2009) and MA in Teaching and Learning (2014). Research Interests: Microbial bioreactor systems, dairy/meat wastewater treatment, bioconversion to biodegradable plastics, and Lemna cultivation. Recent work includes SARS-CoV-2 wastewater epidemiology and precision fermentation via SUSFERM. Teaching innovations include VR simulations for molecular biology and 360° virtual industrial site visits. Notable Grants: SFI Rapid Response (€44,876), UniCov Study (€188,770), NEWTRIENTS (€650,000), and DAFF-funded projects on duckweed protein and dairy wastewater. Awards: DELTA National Award (2021), UCC President’s Teaching Excellence (2015). Active in outreach, including public workshops on plastic pollution and collaborations with secondary schools via VR biology tools.
Prof. Noel G McElvaney is Head of the School of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He holds a medical degree from University College Dublin (1982). His research focuses on cystic fibrosis (CF), alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), lung inflammation, and protease regulation. He has led translational research initiatives, including early clinical trials of therapies like Lomucin and AAT augmentation. In 2001, he founded the Alpha One Foundation of Ireland and established Europe’s first AATD detection program. Prof. McElvaney has secured extensive funding from organizations like HRB, SFI, and industry partners. His work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing gene therapy, lung defense mechanisms, and drug development. He has been awarded the HRB Impact Award (2021-2022) and holds leadership roles in medical councils and societies. His lab collaborations include Beaumont Hospital and global networks like the European Alpha-1 Research Collaboration (EARCO). Research interests include: protease-antiprotease balance in lungs, bronchial epithelium signaling, innate immunity, and CF/AATD therapies. He has supervised multiple research projects and mentored students in areas like CF microbiota and estrogen effects. His recent grants fund studies on COPD microbiome diversity, circadian rhythms in lung disease, and longitudinal biomarker analyses in AATD.
Prof. Jerry D Murphy is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the SFI MaREI Centre at University College Cork. He leads global research in circular economy, energy systems, and environmental technologies, focusing on decarbonisation, biofuels, and renewable energy integration. With over 190 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 65, his work spans biomethane production, power-to-gas systems, and algal biofuels. He chairs the Civil Engineering department, a role held by only 12 individuals since 1849. His leadership includes directing the MaREI Centre (250 researchers) and leading the IEA Bioenergy Biogas Task (2016–2021). Awards include the Engineers Ireland Excellence Award (2015) and Fellowship of the Irish Academy of Engineers (2019). Research interests emphasize sustainable energy transitions, including renewable gaseous fuels, bio-based systems, and life cycle analysis. Over 35 postgraduate students have been supervised, contributing to industry collaborations worth €1M+. Key projects include renewable gas production from agricultural and organic waste, offshore wind-hydrogen hybrids, and policy frameworks for decarbonisation. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing global challenges in climate, energy, and marine systems.
Dr. Hilary Browne is a Research Fellow at the School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork (UCC). He holds a PhD from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, with prior roles at the Wellcome Sanger Institute including Staff Scientist and Senior Staff Scientist. His research focuses on gut microbiota adaptations, particularly the role of bacterial spore formation in transmission and colonization. He leads a team using anaerobic microbiology, genomics, and metagenomics to study spore-forming bacteria's metabolic properties and genetic architecture. Dr. Browne's academic journey includes a BSc in Agricultural Science (UCD) and MSc in Biotechnology (UCC). He was awarded the Garnham Award for doctoral research in basic laboratory science. In 2023, he secured an ERC Starter Grant to establish his independent research group, advancing translational microbiome research. His research explores mechanisms enabling gut bacteria to survive host transitions, with implications for probiotic development and therapeutic delivery. Key areas include spore-mediated survival strategies, microbiome assembly in infants, and antibiotic resistance dynamics in human microbiota. Dr. Browne contributes to global health initiatives through collaborations like the CHAIN network, focusing on child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa using multi-omics approaches. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with clinical applications, emphasizing the microbiome's role in health and disease.
Nabla Kennedy is a Lecturer in Microbiology within the Department of Science at South East Technological University (SETU), where she has been a faculty member since 2013. She is affiliated with the Eco Innovation Research Centre and actively contributes to research in environmental microbiology and sustainable agricultural practices. Research Interests: Her research focuses on the role of microbes in environmental processes, including soil ecosystems, waste composting, and anaerobic digestion. She investigates microbial ecology, particularly fungal and bacterial contributions to nutrient cycling, the response of microbial communities to environmental disturbances, and the application of molecular ecology tools for environmental monitoring. She also employs statistical methods for analyzing multivariate community data. The recent publications highlight consistent work in biofertilisation using anaerobic digestates , examining their effects on soil microbial communities, plant growth (particularly ryegrass and clover), and soil nutrient dynamics. Her work bridges microbiology, agronomy, and environmental engineering, emphasizing sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilisers. Scientific Activities and Affiliations: Member, COST Action 22142: Beneficial root-associated microorganisms for sustainable agriculture (ROOT-BENEFIT), 2023–2027 Member, EU-CONEXUS (EU-CONEXA), from 2024 Research Supervision and Funding: She has supervised postgraduate research, including PhD-level work funded by the CNPq PhD Scholarship. She has led two major research projects: one on plant growth stimulation by digestate fertilisers and another on monitoring ammonia contamination in groundwater using bioremediation techniques. Her work has been cited in policy sources and widely read in academic networks like Mendeley. Laboratory and Research Group: Based in the Eco Innovation Research Centre at SETU, her research group focuses on microbial community analysis in agricultural and waste systems, applying molecular and statistical tools to real-world sustainability challenges.
Dr. Yuansheng Hu is an Assistant Professor in the School of Civil Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland, specializing in Water and Environmental Engineering. He joined UCD in July 2023 after holding academic positions at Atlantic Technological University Sligo (2022–2023) and Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (2012–2017). His research focuses on biological wastewater treatment, biosolids valorisation, microalgae biotechnology, and constructed wetlands. Dr. Hu also serves as a module coordinator for courses including Geotechnics, Environmental Engineering Fundamentals, and Design and Communications. His academic journey includes a DPhil from UCD and a postdoctoral role at the National University of Ireland, Galway (2016–2022). He is proficient in English and Mandarin, with expertise in peer review and technical communication. Research highlights include advancing anaerobic digestion processes, nitrogen removal technologies, and sustainable wastewater management solutions. His work bridges environmental engineering with biotechnology, emphasizing practical applications for pollution control and resource recovery. Research Interests: Autotrophic nitrogen removal, anaerobic treatment, microalgae-based biofuels, and low-impact development via constructed wetlands. Teaching: Coordinates modules in geotechnical engineering, environmental fundamentals, and design methodologies. Affiliations: UCD School of Civil Engineering, with prior roles at institutions in Ireland and China. Publications span 20+ years, addressing topics like microplastic contamination, microbial degradation pathways, and innovative wastewater treatment systems. His contributions aim to address global environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research and education.
Professor Deirdre Murray is the Director of the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) and Professor of Cancer Epidemiology at University College Cork (UCC). She leads the NCRI's strategic initiatives and oversees cancer data analysis across Ireland. Her expertise spans public health medicine, cancer epidemiology, and neonatal neurology research. She chairs the UK and Ireland Association of Cancer Registries and contributes to international collaborations like the EUROCARE consortium. Professionally, she holds roles on the National Screening Advisory Committee and National Research Ethics Committee, emphasizing her commitment to public health governance. Trained in medicine at UCC and with a Master’s in Public Health from UCD, Dr. Murray’s career bridges clinical practice and population health. Her research focuses on cancer outcomes, neonatal brain injury, and early childhood neurodevelopment. Notable projects include developing machine learning models for neonatal risk assessment and examining long-term outcomes of preterm infants. She advocates for standardized neonatology training through pan-European initiatives and explores digital health tools for monitoring conditions like motor neurone disease. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address complex health challenges, such as optimizing cancer registries, improving data governance in multi-national studies, and advancing care for at-risk populations. Her contributions span clinical leadership, policy development, and innovative research methodologies.
Professor Yaqian Zhao is a distinguished academic at University College Dublin's School of Civil Engineering, where he directs the Water and Effluent Laboratory. His innovative research integrates wastewater treatment with urban aesthetics, developing constructed wetlands that function as both environmental infrastructure and public recreational spaces. With over two decades of experience since joining UCD in 2004, he has established himself as a global leader in sustainable water treatment technologies. Dr. Zhao's research interests focus on creating environmentally integrated wastewater solutions. His pioneering work centers on using aluminum-rich 'cake' material from drinking water treatment as substrate for constructed wetlands, which simultaneously purify water and support biodiversity. He has expanded this research to develop wetlands that generate electricity through microbial activity, creating multifunctional systems that transform traditional wastewater infrastructure into community assets. His vision aims to make water treatment facilities aesthetically pleasing parks rather than isolated industrial sites. His publication record reveals a strong trajectory toward integrated water-energy solutions, with early work establishing the fundamentals of alum sludge-based wetlands and more recent research exploring the water-energy nexus through microbial fuel cells. The publications demonstrate consistent innovation in making wastewater treatment more sustainable, efficient, and community-oriented, with applications ranging from domestic wastewater to agricultural runoff. Fellow of the International Water Association Professor Zhao has hosted two major international conferences in Ireland and presented his work globally, including on Chinese CCTV. His research has practical applications across multiple sites, with more than 20 operational systems testing constructed wetland capacity, including installations at the UCD Lyons Research Farm. His current work focuses on integrating wetland systems directly into wastewater treatment tanks to create aesthetically pleasing, functional infrastructure that serves both environmental and community needs while generating small-scale electricity. Professor Zhao directs the Water and Effluent Laboratory at UCD, where his team develops technologies that transform wastewater treatment from purely functional infrastructure into community assets. His lab's current focus includes scaling up microbial fuel cell technology to generate practical electricity from wetland activity and implementing full-scale demonstrations of their integrated treatment systems.
Dr. Stig Hellebust is a Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at the School of Chemistry, University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. Based in Room 206B of the Kane Building, he can be contacted at s.hellebust@ucc.ie or +353 214902680. His research focuses on atmospheric chemistry, environmental monitoring, and advanced data analysis techniques for understanding air quality and pollution sources across Ireland. Dr. Hellebust's research interests span several key areas of environmental chemistry and data science: Atmospheric observational data analysis, particularly high-dimensional datasets collected over extended time periods Application of multivariate statistical methods and machine learning for environmental data interpretation Source apportionment of atmospheric pollutants using receptor modeling techniques Development of algorithms for processing large environmental datasets Application of clustering and classification techniques to identify pollution sources Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy data analysis His extensive publication record demonstrates expertise in air quality monitoring, particularly focusing on PM2.5 sources, urban pollution dynamics, and health impacts. He frequently employs advanced statistical methods including principal component analysis (PCA), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and various machine learning approaches to extract meaningful information from complex environmental datasets. His work bridges atmospheric science, public health, and data analytics, with significant contributions to understanding Ireland's air quality challenges. Dr. Hellebust has secured substantial research funding from multiple sources including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Health Research Board, Science Foundation Ireland, and European Union programs. His current major projects include "Sources of PM2.5 in the Air of Irish Towns" (2024-2027, €233,796.00) and "Impact of Agricultural Emissions on Rural and Urban Air Quality" (2022-2025, €119,700.00), demonstrating his leadership in addressing critical environmental challenges. He currently supervises doctoral student Rósín Eileen Byrne and has previously supervised Eimear Heffernan who completed her PhD in 2022 on "Spatial and temporal variation of ambient carbonaceous aerosol in Ireland and strategies for effective monitoring of source contributions." His mentorship extends to interdisciplinary research connecting chemistry, environmental science, and public health. Dr. Hellebust is an active member of UCC's Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry research group, collaborating with colleagues across Ireland and internationally on air quality monitoring and pollution source identification projects. His work has significant policy implications for urban planning, public health interventions, and environmental regulation in Ireland and beyond.
