Research programmes at Teagasc
Contact Research Leaders 2025 Management Team: researchleaders2025@teagasc.ie
Jump to: Crops, Environment and Land-Use Programme | Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme | Food Programme | Rural Economy and Development Programme
Crops Research Department, Environment, Soils and Land-Use Department, Horticulture Development Department, Forest Development Department
| Name & Contact Details | Department | Research areas of interest | Experience of Mentoring & Supervision |
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Daire Ó hUallacháin |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology; Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Ó hUallacháin is an experienced supervisor of PhD and postdoctoral researchers. He has previously supervised several postdoctoral fellows, along with PhD and MSc students. Currently his research team consists of 3 postdocs and 7 PhD students. |
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Dan Milbourne |
Crops Research Department |
Molecular genetics, Genome-wide association studies, Plant breeding, genotyping, phenotyping, bioinformatics, genomics, image analysis. We are a breeding and genetics group developing genome-based approaches for application in a highly successful real world potato breeding programme. We specialise in disease resistance genetics, marker assisted selection, genomic selection, all with a specific focus on deploying research outcomes in a real world breeding scenario. We’re looking for two possible types of candidate. Firstly, we seek people with a background in computational biology/informatics/quantitative genetics, who are interested in exploiting next generation sequencing-based approaches for genomic prediction for key traits in potato breeding. Alternatively, we’re seeking people with a background in image analysis who are interested in applying their expertise to high throughput, in-field phenotyping of potato crops. |
Dr. Milbourne has supervised/co-supervised 14 PhD students, and several technicians and postdoctoral scientists – including one current MSCA Fellow. I work with colleagues with expertise in plant breeding and bioinformatics who will also contribute to the mentorship of the fellow. |
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David Wall |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Nutrient cycling, soil fertility, grassland, crops, nutrient management, soil quality. My research team investigates nutrient cycling in soils and agricultural systems. Our group integrates nutrient processes in soils, grassland and crop nutrient uptake and recovery, and environmental losses from agricultural soils. Currently we are focusing on pH and liming and N, P and K cycling in soil and methods to enhance agricultural production while increasing environmental and economic sustainability through the adoption of more efficient nutrient management practices and soil specific advice. The team is also investigating indicators of soil quality and frameworks for adopting improved functional land management practices within agricultural landscapes Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr David Wall has supervised 6 PhD and 2 MSc students to completion. Currently his research team consists of 2 postdocs, 2 technicians and 5 PhD students. |
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Denis Griffin |
Crop Research Department |
Potato Breeding, Adaptation, Disease resistance, Markers Breeding new potato varieties with enhanced disease and pest resistance for global markets. Particular emphasis on varieties with processing ability and adaptation to diverse agroecologies. Understanding the components of genotype by environment interactions. Development and deployment of markers and genomic strategies to make the Potato breeding process more efficient. Introrgression of new disease resistance to potato varieties. Uptake of heavy metals in crops. |
Dr Griffin has supervised or co supervised one MSC and 8 PhD students to completion and has a further 5 due to complete in the next few years. In addition he has supervised seven post-doctoral level scientists. |
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Dominika Krol |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Greenhouse gases, Fertilization, Manure management Dr Krol’s research team investigates gaseous emissions (greenhouse gases and ammonia) associated with application of various materials with nitrogen fertilising value such as synthetic, organic, bio-based fertilisers or waste products to agricultural soils and mitigation options for reducing gaseous losses from these sources. In particular, we work on mitigating gaseous losses from manure management chain. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Krol is currently supervising 5 PhD students as well as working closely with two postdoctoral researchers and a technician. She supervised ten undergraduate and postgraduate placement students and helped supervise two PhD students in the past. |
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Fiona Brennan |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Soil microbiome, Plant-soil-microbial interactions, Greenhouse gases, Nutrient cycling, Enteric pathogens. The soil and environmental microbiology research team investigate the composition and function of the soil microbiome in agronomic systems, and how this knowledge can be used to inform agricultural management strategies. We’re using new technologies to identify the microbes and pathways that underpin functions related to productivity, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. In addition, we’re investigating the effect of management, environmental and edaphic factors on the soil and plant microbiome. We investigate the microbial communities responsible for the production of N20 (denitrifiers, nitrifiers) in soils and manures, with the aim of identifying regulators of each pathway and potential mitigation options. A key research focus of our group is on Plant-Soil-Microbial interactions and how they impact on soil fertility. We also study the prevalence, fate and transport of microbial enteropathogens and their indicators in the environment within soil, water, plants and organic amendments. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr Brennan has supervised 3 PhD and 1 MSc students to completion. Currently her research team consists of a technologist, a technician, 2 postdoctoral researchers, 7 PhD students and a masters student. |
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Helen Grogan |
Horticulture Development Department |
Mushroom science, mushroom virus, Pseudomonas tolaasii, mushroom pathology, compost utilisation, bioinformatics Dr. Grogan’s mushroom research team are currently involved in a range of nationally-funded projects covering: bioinformatic analysis of genes involved in compost utilisation (AgGenes), response of Agaricus strains to virus infection (Agaricus Genomics), characterisation of lignocellulose degradation in mushroom compost (Lignocellulose) and microbial safety of mushrooms (SafeMush). In addition, the team works closely with industry and provides laboratory diagnostic support to elucidate production problems where needed. Dr. Grogan co-ordinated and project managed an EU FP7 project (MushTV – 286836) in collaboration with 17 European mushroom industry and research partners. Research area of interest for application: We are interested in using state of the art microbiology, molecular and bioinformatic technologies to advance our understanding of mushroom science, especially in areas of compost utilisation, compost and casing microbiomes and pathology. Epidemiological studies and phylogenetic analysis in the area of all mushroom pathogens are of interest including mushroom viruses, mushroom-associated Trichoderma species, Cobweb-associated Cladobotryum species, bacterial blotch associated Pseudomonas species. Teagasc has a state of the art mushroom growing unit at the Ashtown campus. |
Dr. Grogan has supervised nine PhD students and one MSc. Student to successful completion across a range of mushroom projects as well as several technical staff and contract researchers. Currently she mentors 1 Post Doc, 4 PhD students, 1 Technologist, 1 Industry advisor and 1 Mushroom Unit Manager. |
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Ian Short Researcher Profile & Email Address Twitter: @IanShort_Forest |
Forestry Development Department |
Silviculture, agroforestry Research area of interest for application:
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Dr Ian Short has supervised 1 Ph.D. and one M.Sc. to completion. Currently supervising 2 Ph.D.s and 1 M.Sc. commencing imminently |
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John Finn |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Multi-species mixtures, grassland diversity, biodiversity, sustainability accreditation, high nature value farmland, ecosystem services Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Finn is an experienced supervisor of PhD and postdoctoral researchers. He has previously supervised two Marie Curie fellows, several postdoctoral fellows, and multiple PhD fellowships. He is Postgraduate Director of Agri-Food Graduate Development Programme. |
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Karen Daly |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Soil spectroscopy, chemometrics, modelling, portable spectroscopy. Teagasc’s programme of research on soil and crop sensing is currently developing new technologies that will underpin the competitiveness of Irish agriculture. This research is focussing on the application of spectroscopy and chemometrics for the non-destructive analysis of agricultural soils, crops and sediments. The research group consists of 3 Ph.D. students with laboratory research support provided by a permanent technologist. This programme of research is resourced with bench-top and portable spectroscopic instrument that includes near and mid infra-red spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Aligned with Teagasc Technology Foresight 2035 strategy this programme is progressing new methods and applications in spectroscopy for the agri-food sector. Research areas of interest for application: Environmental and Geosciences (ENV):
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Dr. Daly has a track record in project management and people management; and an excellent record of securing funding for new work and managing the work packages, budget and staff on multiple research projects. She currently has 6 post-graduate students and is also co-supervisor to 2 post-doctoral researchers. She previously supervised 3 PhD and 1 MSc student to completion and supervised 5 contract researchers/post-doctoral scientists. |
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Karl Richards |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Environmental contaminants, soil, water, nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, leaching, pathogens. My research team investigates the source and transport of contaminants to water and air within agricultural landscapes. Our group integrates soil processes with environmental emissions to water and air from agricultural soils. Currently we are focusing on nitrogen cycling in soil and methods to enhance sustainability through mitigation of nitrous oxide emissions to the atmosphere and nitrate leaching to water. The team is also investigating pathogen survival in soil/water and emerging contaminants in groundwater. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr Richards has supervised 15 PhD and 3 MSc students to completion and 7 postdocs. Currently his research team consists of 2 postdocs and 8 PhD students. |
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Louise McNamara |
Crops Research Department |
Entomology, Integrated pest management, Biocontrol, Insecticide resistance. My research interests are integrated pest management of insect pests with a focus on arable crops. This encompasses best use of insecticides, insecticide resistance, biological pest control, cultural control and promotion of biodiversity in an arable farm landscape to enhance ecosystem services. Current research includes; 1. control of the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, in light of insecticide resistance 2. role of Ecological Focus Areas for promotion of natural enemy populations 3. Leatherjacket biocontrol, 4. Integrated pest Management of Pine Weevil Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr McNamara is currently (co)supervising 1 Post doc, 2 PhD students and 1 technician |
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Michael Gaffney |
Horticulture Development Department |
Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Insect resistance, Horticultural Crop Quality and Saftey, Horticultural Technologies, Compost Science, Protected Crops & Horticulture Dr. Gafney’s team conducts multi-disciplinary research to support the Horticultural and tillage sectors in Ireland. We have a primary focus on Entomology and Integrated Pest Management, working mostly on issues to do with the control of invasive species, new crop pests and insecticide resistance. I am interested in the development of non-chemical control strategies for crop pests and have experience in conducting research on entomopathogenic nematodes, entomopathengic fungi, low impact bio-pesticides and crop stimulants. We also collaborate heavily to address issues in the area of crop safety and crop quality. We recently opened a new 11 compartment research glasshouse which is suitable for the testing and development of new crop production technologies, particulary focused on high value food crops. |
Dr Gaffney has supervised/co-supervised 5 PhD students and 6 MSc students to successful completion as well as numerous technicians and Post Docs. Currently my group consists of 1 Post Doc, 2 Technicians, 5 Phds and 1 MSc student. His group works very closely with the horticultural and tillage sectors in Ireland delivering applied research and a scientific basis for new crop production startegies. Our funding is derived from many sources, including national, industry and H2020. |
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Niall Farrelly |
Forest Development Department |
Forest Management and Forest Genetics Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Farrelly has supervised 3x PhD student and 3x Masters Student and contract Research officers.
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Owen Fenton |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Nitrogen, land drainage, Soil, Hydrology, Hydrogeology. My research team investigates the source, transformation and fate of nitrogen within agricultural landscapes. I am particularly interested in hydrological and biogeochemical time lags and characterisation of land drainage systems. Other research looks at engineered solution to remediate mixed pollutant losses from agricultural ditch networks. Research areas of interest for application:
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Prof. Fenton has supervised 15 PhD and 3 MSc students to completion and 2 postdocs. Currently he is involved in both Marie Curie ITN and H2020 projects. |
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Patrick Forrestal |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Soil fertility, Nutrients (N, S, K), Fertilisers, Ammonia emissions, Manures. My research interest focuses on bringing new understanding of plant, soil, and nutrient interactions to bear in developing strategies and solutions which optimize agricultural productivity and limit potential for negative environmental impacts. Recent focus includes execution of a multi-site inter-agency collaborative research project focused on gaseous nitrogen (N) emissions, N dynamics and agronomy in intensively managed grassland and arable agro-ecosystems. Future work will include a focus on potassium and sulphur nutrition along with efficiency of recycled residues and animal manures along with gaseous N losses from manures and fertilisers. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr Forrestal has supervised 2 PhD and 1 MSc students to completion. |
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Per-Erik Mellander |
Environment, Soils & Land Use Department |
Water quality, Climate, Agriculture, Nutrients, pesticides, Critical source areas. The team consists of a catchment scientist, soil scientist, hydro-chemist, socio-economist, economic modeller, technicians, data manager and advisors. The research group, have been working with 300 farmers across six ca 10km2 catchments in Ireland. The team is developing science-based solutions for Ireland’s water quality challenges. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Mellander is supervisor/co-supervisor of 4 completed PhD’s and 6 on-going PhD’s. Currently he is supervising 1 Post-Doc researcher and managing 5 Research Officers.
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Richie Hackett |
Crops Research Department |
Agronomy, Crop nutrition, Sensors, Precision agriculture Research area of interest for application: Any project involving applied field based research in the area of crop agronomy is of interest. Research projects on the use of proximal or remote sensors to monitor crops and/or guide external inputs to crops are of particular interest. Projects that examine the potential of crop simulation models, either alone or in combination with real-time crop data, are also of interest. Projects which focus on methods of improving use efficiency of fertiliser inputs, particularly nitrogen, to arable crops are of particular relevance. |
Dr. Hackett has supervised a number of doctoral students in the area of crop agronomy to successfully complete their studies.
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Stephen Byrne |
Crops Research Department |
Computational biology, Comparative genomics, Pan-genome, Genome assembly We are interested in using genomic information to support plant breeding programmes. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr. Byrne has supervised/co-supervised 4 PhD Students and several technicians and research assistants. |
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Steven Kildea Researcher Profile & Email Address |
Crops Research Department |
Cereal Pathogens, Fungicide resistance, IPM, Pathogen evolution. My research programme focuses on the development of sustainable disease control strategies for arable crops. To achieve these goals we investigate how different control strategies impact local pathogen populations and how we can potentially manipulate these to enhance control. As such our research is multi-disciplinary, spanning both the lab and the field. A major component of the research is the development and implementation fungicide anti-resistance strategies. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Kildea has co-supervised 2x PhD students and 2x Masters students and current research team consists of a technologist, 2x post-docs, 3x PhD students and 1x Masters student. |
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Susanne Barth |
Crops Research Department |
Forages, Barley, Plant reproductivity traits, Cytoplasmic male sterility, Abiotic stress, Herbicide resistence My research programme is focused on grass species and barley: perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Miscanthus spp.,Festulolium, Phalaris arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata and barley. I am interested in genetic resources (including in situ conservation strategies), reproductive traits (including self-incompatibility, flowering time and cytoplasmic male sterility, control of meiotic recombination), abiotic stresses in cultivated crop species and herbicide resistance in grass weeds. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Barth has supervised 3 contract researchers, 2 technicians and 14 PhD students in the past |
Animal & Bioscience Department, Animal & Grassland Department, Livestock Department, Pig Development Department
| Name & Contact Details | Department | Research areas of interest | Experience of Mentoring & Supervision |
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Bernadette Earley |
Animal & Bioscience Research Department |
Animal health; animal welfare; bovine respiratory disease (BRD) diagnostics; Biomarkers of stress. In parallel to the ethological and stress-related parameters, immune parameters are being measured in order to establish a relationship between stress and immune response in the bovine. This is a major driver of new studies using “Omics” technologies. Thus, utilizing the emerging knowledge in bovine genomics, biological sciences, neuroscience and bioinformatics, my research mission is to advance new science and high speed technology that will ultimately lead to breakthroughs in stress physiology and lead to quantifiable and objectives indices of animal health and welfare. |
Post-graduate student supervision, since joining Teagasc, I have successfully supervised 18 Ph.D students, 2 M.Sc students to completion, 1 Teagasc funded post-doctoral researcher (RMIS 4624), 1 (Marie Curie Funded IEF Fellowship – RMIS 6064) and 1 Contract Research Officer (RMIS 6153; Bord Bia funded; 1 post-doctoral researcher and 1 technician (RMIS 6476. I am presently supervising 1 post-doctoral researcher RMIS 0333) and 1 PhD student (RMIS 0095). I have secured funding from Teagasc to recruit 2 Ph.D students (RMIS 0344 and RMIS 345) in October 2018. |
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David Kenny |
Animal & Bioscience Research Department |
Nutritional control of fertility, growth and feed efficiency in cattle Our group utilises state of the art physiological and molecular technologies to study the complex multidimensional control of economically important traits in cattle. In particular, our work involves in-depth examination of traits including sexual maturation of male and female calves, feed intake and efficiency as well as carcass growth and quality. More recently we have implemented a strong gut microbiome research programme in order to better elucidate the molecular control of feed digestion, ruminal methanogenesis and gut health. Research areas of interest for application: Nutritional control of fertility, growth and feed efficiency in cattle |
Dr. David Kenny has supervised 18 PhD and 9 Masters students to completion. |
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Donagh Berry |
Animal & Bioscience Research Department |
Animal genetics, Animal genomics, Precision dairy Research group aims to be an agent of sustainable and competitive growth of the Irish ruminant industry by being a world leader in fundamental and translational research on all aspects relating to optimised breeding programs including the development and deployment of:
Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Berry’s supervision to-date is 18 PhDs, 5 MSc and 4 post-docs. Within Teagasc, Dr. Berry has supervised 5 researchers/postdocs, 9 PhD students and several hosted students who work across a whole spectrum of domain areas in multiple species. The VistaMilk centre, which Dr. Berry is director of, consists of >200 research scientists predominantly focused on the development and dissemination of precision technologies in dairy production systems from soil to society |
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Emer Kennedy |
Animal & Grassland Department |
Calf rearing, replacement heifers Emer’s group is working on below mentioned aspects; Calf health
Replacement Heifer Rearing
Research area of interest for application: Calf and heifer rearing |
Dr. Kennedy has supervised 12 PhD students and 2 Masters Students. She is 3rd year Grassland Science module coordinator for the UCD Agri-Business degree. Annually Emer mentor/supervise approximately 5 international undergraduate degree students.
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John Upton |
Livestock Department |
Dairy, Labour, Milking, Energy The focus of John’s group is to achieve maximum performance of the whole farm system by optimising the interaction between pasture utilisation, supplementary feeding strategy and animal performance. Research area of interest for application: Currently the main areas of interest revolve around the themes of making dairy farms more energy & water efficient, while optimising dairy farm infrastructure. We are also active in the areas of labour productivity during the milking process and milking parlour efficiency |
Dr. Upton is currently supervising 4 PhD students.
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Keelin O’Driscoll |
Pig Development Department |
Pig, animal welfare, animal behaviour. Dr. Keelin’s research focuses on investigating management and nutritional strategies that can improve the welfare and performance of commercially produced pigs. Understanding and meeting the needs of farmed animals is essential to improving farming systems from the perspectives of pig and producer, and in developing systems which are acceptable to the consumer and to society. My recent work with sows has focused on nutrition during gestation and lactation, and the effects on sow performance and piglet performance and welfare. I have also carried out work investigating management strategies to deal with piglets from large litters. A major focus of my research during the past 3 years has been investigation of strategies to reduce damaging behaviour in pigs. Research area of interest for application: Dr. Keelin is interested in all aspects of pig welfare or behaviour. Specific areas of interest which are currently relevant to his work are
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Dr. Driscoll has supervised 1 postdoctoral researcher, 1 MSc and 5 PhD students.
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Kieran Meade Researcher Profile & Email Address |
Animal & Bioscience Research Department |
Bovine immunology, mycobacterial, antiviral, copy number, immunomodulatory, host defence peptides Bovine Immunology ‘One Health’ Research Group We investigate the induction, expression and manipulation of host defence peptides (HDPs) to breed cattle with superior disease resistance as well as their use in adjunct therapeutic and vaccination strategies. Key to controlling zoonotic infections is to reduce the burden of disease at source, and enormous potential exists for research impact on bovine immunology to enhance sustainable livestock production and also to protect the food chain & human health. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr Meade leads a productive group consisting of postdoctoral researchers, 6 PhD students, 2 MSc students and a number of undergraduates. A Marie Curie fellowship represents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to contribute to cutting edge projects, and develop their own distinct research career track. Teagasc have also established a postdoctoral development programme to enhance the acquisition of transferrable skills. Based in the new state of the art Bioscience Research Facility in Co. Meath, the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre is a major initiative to expand Teagasc’s capacity for advanced and translational research in animal bioscience. Collaborative expertise and training will also be available via a number of leading national and international scientists. |
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Nóirín McHugh |
Animal & Bioscience Department |
Sheep and Beef Genetics, Breeding Programme, Phenomic Tools, Genomics The research group is focused on all aspects of genetic research with a large emphasis on route to application. Research area of interest for Rl2025 application:
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Dr. McHugh has supervised 5 PhDs and 2 Postdoctoral Researchers to completion. Dr. McHugh is currently supervising 1 researchers/postdocs and 5 PhD students. |
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Orla Keane |
Animal & Bioscience Research Department |
Host-pathogen interactions, Intramammary infection, Staphylococcus aureus, gastrointestinal nematode infection, anthelmintic resistance Our research is focussed on infection biology and on understanding host-pathogen interactions. In particular we are interested in understanding the role of both host and pathogen genomic variation in controlling infection outcome and disease progression. The major pathogens of interest are i) Staphylococcus aureus in dairy cows including the molecular mechanism of strain-specific virulence of bovine-adapted S. aureus and ii) Teladorsagia circumconcta in sheep including sustainable strategies for control in the face of anthelmintic resistance. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr. Orla Keane has supervised 5 PhD students and 1 MSc students to completion and well as a post-doctoral researcher. The group currently consists of 1 post-doctoral researcher and 3 PhD students. |
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Padraig French |
Livestock Department |
Dairy beef production, farm systems. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. French has supervised 5 PhDs and 6 Post-doc researchers. |
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Peadar Lawlor |
Pig Development Department |
Pig, Nutrition, Management, Feed efficiency, Feeding systems, Intestine, Alternatives to antibiotics. The research group of Dr. Lawlor is located in the Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland. The research activities of the group include, nutrition and management of pigs and in particular newly weaned pigs and sows, improving feed efficiency in pigs, salmonella control in pigs, investigation of novel feed additives as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics for pigs, post-market monitoring of genetically modified animal feed ingredients, nutritional and post slaughter factors affecting meat eating quality, pre-natal muscle development in pigs in response to gestation feeding, liquid feeding of pigs. This group also investigates manure management and energy generation from pig manure, manure pathogens & biosafety of manure recycling, microbiota of manure and anaerobic digestate. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Lawlor has supervised 18 PhDs, 6 MSc (to completion) and 7 Post-doctoral researchers.
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Pat Tuohy |
Land Drainage, Soil, Hydrology, Management of poorly drained soils My research programme is focussed on the design, installation and characterisation of land drainage systems, the performance of land drainage system materials, soil physical and hydrological properties and their characterisation, the optimisation of the management of poorly drained soils and improving profitability on farms dominated by poorly drained soils. Other areas of interest include strategies for optimizing soil fertility on poorly drained soils and the management and treatment of dairy soiled water. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr Tuohy is currently supervising 3 PhD students. |
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Sinead McParland |
Livestock Department |
Animal genetics, breeding programmes, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, phenomic tools. Research area of interest for application:
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Stephen Butler |
Animal & Bioscience Research Department |
Reproduction, Nutrition, Physiology, Genetics, Sexed semen, Fertility Management Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr Butler has supervised 3 post-doctoral researchers, 8 PhD students and 2 Masters students to completion in a diverse area of dairy cattle reproduction and nutrition. Currently, he is supervising 2 post-doctoral researchers, 4 PhD students, and co-supervising additional 3 PhD students. |
Food Biosciences Department, Food Chemistry & Technology Department, Food Safety Department, Food Quality & Sensor Science Department
| Name & Contact Details | Department | Research areas of interest | Experience of Mentoring & Supervision |
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André Brodkorb |
Food Chemistry & Technology Department |
Food proteins, Food/protein colloids, Gastro-intestinal digestion, Microencapsulation. Dr Brodkorb is a senior researcher in the Food Chemistry and Technology department of the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark. His research interest covers the structure/ function relationship of food and food ingredients, proteins in particular, from source to processing and food production all the way to consumption and absorption of nutrients in the human body. His laboratory includes state of the art equipment and techniques for protein/peptide characterisation (HPLC, FPLC, FTIR, Fluorescence spectroscopy), colloids (dynamic and static light scattering, AFM & SEM/TEM, confocal microscopy), in-vitro/in-vivo digestion models, protection of bio-active components by microencapsulation. Dr Brodkorb was the 2016 Winner of the Poncelet Prize for Innovation in Encapsulation Technology, co-sponsored by Procter & Gamble and the Bioencapsulation Research Group (BRG). Research areas of interest for application:
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Brijesh Tiwari Researcher Profile & Email Address Skype: brijesh.kumar.tiwari |
Food Chemistry & Technology Department |
Novel food processing and preservation technologies, Novel clean and green extraction technologies, Sustainable food processing technologies, Food processing by-products Advanced Food Processing Technologies Research Group is a strong multidisciplinary research group with an excellent international track record in delivering high quality research and innovation metrics, including patents and technology transfer. AFT research group currently comprises 21 researchers including Research Officers; PostDocs and PhDs We have state-of-the-art novel technologies laboratory. Research agenda of AFT group is strongly aligned with key national (Sustainable, Healthy Agri-food Research Plan (SHARP)- 2015; Innovation 2020 of Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation research programmes) and EU (H2020 thematic area 2: “Food Security, Sustainable …. Bioeconomy” under the societal challenges pillar). Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr. Tiwari’s has supervised 12 PostDocs, 5 Research Officers, 15 PhDs to date. |
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Catherine Stanton |
Food Biosciences Department |
Early life nutrition, probiotic cultures, infant gut microbiota, bioactive lipids Catherine has developed a research programme on functional foods, with emphasis on the molecular analysis of food components that impact on human nutrition and health. Catherine is currently Principal Research Officer at Teagasc and a Principal Investigator in the APC’s Microbial Metabolites core and in the Food Health Ireland Research Centre. |
Prof. Catherine Stanton has extensive experience of mentoring and supervision: currently, 8 Post docs and 10 PhD students with 11 previous Post docs and 22 PhD students. |
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Declan J. Bolton |
Food Safety Department |
Foodborne pathogens, Campylobacter spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella spp. Our research is primarily focused on all aspects (sources, dissemination routes, ecology, epidemiology, pathogenicity/virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance, control/risk management, etc.) of bacterial pathogens along the food chain from farm to fork. We are also interested in food spoilage and undertake research on a range of associated spoilage bacteria in different foods using state-of-the-art microbiological, genomic and proteomic technologies. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr. Bolton is a member of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Expert Panel on Biohazards and has supervised 5 postdoctoral researchers and 2 M.Sc. and 25 Ph.D. students. |
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Diarmuid (JJ)Sheehan |
Food Chemistry & Technology Department |
Dairy Foods, physicochemistry, structure function, microstructure, casein-polymer interactions. Dr. Sheehan is a senior researcher at the Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark with accomplishments in both academic and commercial fields. His research group is focused on investigating interactions between dairy matrix physico-chemistry, microstructure and the metabolic activity of bacteria entrapped within. In addition, his group are working on metabolomic profiling of dairy foods based on herd diet, food matrix structure-function relationships, food colloids and casein-polymer interactions with a view to structuring dairy foods for new sensory experiences and development of food functionality using membrane processes. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Sheehan currently supervises 4 post-doctoral scientists and supervises/co-supervises 4 PhD and 1 MSc students. He has supervised 9 previous post-doctoral scientists and supervised/co-supervised 6 PhDs and 1 MSc to completion. |
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Dilip Rai |
Food Bioscience Department |
Phytochemicals, health, nutraceuticals, chromatography, mass spectrometry, food-waste valorisation. Dr. Rai leads research team involving the structural elucidation of natural bioactive molecules extracted from terrestrial plant-food, animals and marine sources. The bioactive molecules are either nutrient based (proteins/peptides, polysaccharides, lipids and their combination) or non-nutrient secondary metabolites that could be potential ingredients for functional food development or natural bio-control agents. He has a keen interest in assessing the effect of industrial or domestic processing of food on retention and alteration of bioactive molecules or affecting the food quality. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Rai has supervised 3 PhD students as a primary mentor and 4 post-docs between 2012-2018. He is currently primary supervisor of 2 PhD students and a co-supervisor of 2 PhDs. |
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Kanishka Nilaweera Researcher Profile & Email Address Whey proteins and energy balance project (https://osf.io/g432n/) Calorie restriction and energy balance project (https://osf.io/9yath/) |
Food Biosciences Department |
Diet, intestine, nutrient absorption, adiposity, energy balance, hypothalamus, obesity, dietary interventions, body composition and growth We are exploring the mechanisms regulating body weight and how these react to different types of ingested food. Utilising this knowledge, we then seek to create interventions that can prevent weight gain and improve body composition in obese individuals. To support this work, we have attracted ~€2 Million grant funding from 2010 onwards (http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6074-9457) including from the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in UK. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Nilaweera is currently supervising 1 PhD student and 2 Post-doctoral researchers and has attracted funding for a PhD studentship 2019-2023. He has previously supervised/co-supervised 2 PhD students and a post-doctoral researcher.
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Kaye Burgess |
Food Safety Department |
Biofilm, Listeria, STEC, Salmonella, transcriptomics. The objective of the Teagasc Food Safety Department is to provide the science to underpin a total chain, risk based approach to food safety, focusing on microbial and chemical contaminants in the ‘farm to fork’ food chain. The microbiology programme addresses key food bacterial pathogens along the complete chain. Our research uses microbiological, genomic, proteomic and mathematical modelling tools to address issues including pathogen transmission and tracking in the food chain, pathogen behaviour and survival in the food chain, including adaptation to stresses they encounter. A focus is also placed on the development of novel control measures. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr. Burgess has significant experience in supervising and mentoring both postdoctoral and technical staff and postgraduate students to successful completion of MScs and PhDs. I currently supervise three PhD students and one technician and co-supervise two additional PhD students. |
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Kieran Kilcawley |
Food Quality & Sensory Science Department |
Flavour chemistry, fermentation derived flavours, cheese biochemistry, fatty acid analysis and lipid oxidation The main focus of my research is directly related to flavour in foods and beverages with a major focus on dairy products. We have excellent advanced gas chromatography and mass spectrometry facilities, covering areas of aroma extraction, method development and validation, data processing and chemometrics. Dr Kilcawley collaborates with national and international researchers in flavour development in lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, kefir, meat science, cereals, confectionary, fruit, and alcohol beverages amongst others. I also have an interested in free and total fatty acid analysis of dairy products, and in lipid oxidation. I have 64 peer reviewed publications and have >1000 citations. He has published 12 book chapters relating to cheese flavour, lipid chemistry, cheese concentrates, cheese ingredients and enzymology. |
Dr Kieran Kilcawley has supervised 3 PhD students, 4 MSc students and co-supervised 3 PhD students. I am currently supervising 4 PhD and 2 MSc students. I am also currently supervising a Erasmus student and regularly have placement students as part of their undergraduate degree program.
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Laura Gómez Gómez-Mascaraque |
Food Chemistry & Technology Department |
Food, microstructure, microscopy, dairy, biopolymers, microencapsulation Research interests of the group focus on food microstructure, microstructured functional ingredients and food biopolymers. The main areas of expertise include spectroscopy and microscopy, biopolymer characterisation, microencapsulation of bioactive food ingredients and drying technologies (e.g. electrohydrodynamic processing, spray-drying). Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Gómez-Mascaraque is currently co-supervisor of 1 MSc student and 1 research officer. She has also supervised several undergraduate and PhD placement students. |
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Linda Giblin |
Food Biosciences Department |
Food Bioactives, Food Digestion and Bioavailability, Intestinal Barrier Function. Dr. Linda’s lab has published >50 research papers in international peer reviewed journals (33 in the last 5 years), 4 invited book chapters and Linda has a h-index of 20, i-index of 33. She leads a molecular biology group at Teagasc with research interests in Food Bioactives, Food Bioavailability and Intestinal Barrier function. She has been Coordinator/Principal Investigator on numerous national and EU funded projects including Food for Health Ireland, with in excess of €3m allocated to her lab. She is an associate editor for Journal of Functional Foods and an ad hoc reviewer for several top Food Bioactive journals (Food Chemistry, Molecular Nutrition & Food Research and Food & Function). She regularly reviews grant proposals for several Irish and EU funding agencies. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Giblin has supervised 8 PhD, 10 MSc and 6 Post-doctoral scientists to completion and currently supervises 4 PhD students and 2 post-doctoral scientists. Linda has management accreditation in Managing People FETAC Level 6 and IMI Management certification. She has actively participated in Teagasc’s Walsh Fellowship Programme (post-graduate) as a member of the Walsh Fellowship Committee, conference judge, and up skilling at supervisor training workshops. Ex-postgraduate scientists from her lab currently hold senior positions in industry including: Site Head Quality-ALCON, QS Supervisor-MYLAN, Analytical Chemist-EL LILY, R&D analyst-TEVA Pharmaceuticals, Biochemist Analyst-MERCK MILLIPORE and QC microbiologist-SANOFI GENZYME. |
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Maria Hayes |
Food Biosciences Department |
Marine research, bioactive peptides, food product development, bioassays, heart health, metabolic syndrome, novel ingredients Focus on marine research into bioactive ingredients from by-products, marine seaweeds and microalgae and other protein rich sources. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Hayes has supervised 5 PhD students, 2 Master students and several undergraduate thesis to date in conjunction with the major European universities |
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Martin Danaher |
Food Safety Department |
Separation science, Food science, Chromatography, Spectrometry, Metabolomics Dr Danaher is head of an ISO17025 laboratory, which is provides specialist services for Teagasc clients. The lab has also a very active research groups with seven PhD students and three post-docs. Research is focussed on analytical method development, validation and application to research samples. Analytical chemistry.
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Dr Danaher has led the residues laboratories since 2007 and has mentored several scientists during this time. He has supervised 7 PhD and 1 MSc students to completion. Currently his research team consists of 3 post-docs, 5 technologists, 1 technicians and 6 PhD students. |
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Norah O’Shea |
Food Chemistry & Technology Department |
Collaborative Robotics, Process Analytical, Technologies, 3D Food Printing, Sensors, Ingredients, Rheology The research interests of Dr O’Shea include process analytical technologies for process improvements in the production of dairy products. Developing and assessing how to implement and validate PAT methodologies using PAT instruments and sensors at pilot and commercial scale. Development of rheological test methods to evaluate PAT tools (process viscometers). Gaining an understanding of the rheological properties of dairy structures e.g. dairy concentrate behaviour, heat induced protein changes. Dr O’Shea has previously worked on investigating the nutritional (composition), rheological (dough structure), texture and sensory properties of cereal and dairy formulations. Dr O’Shea has active projects, in the application of using 3D printing to develop novel dairy snacks derived from dairy ingredients and the development of new test methodologies using collaborative robotics and vision analysis. Research area of interest for application:
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Currently, Dr Norah O’Shea is the supervisor of 2 Research Officers and the primary supervisory of 4 PhD students. She has also supervised undergraduate projects and supervises postgraduate placement students annually. |
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Olivia McAuliffe |
Food Biosciences Department |
Food, Cultures, Antimicrobial resistance, Dissemination, Reservoir, Transmission Olivia is the group leader of the Cultures, Fermentation and Biotransformation research group. Her is interested in omics and systems approaches to studying the biology and applications of food-associated microbes including starter cultures, probiotics, foodborne pathogens, and bacteriophages. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Olivia has currently group of 9 staff and students, has supervised 12 PhD and 6 MSc students to completion, along with many research and technical staff. |
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Orla O’Sullivan Researcher Profile & Email Address Twitter @OrlaOS |
Food Biosciences Department |
Bioinformatics, Metagenomics, Microbiome, Statistics, Fitness, Nutrition. Dr. Orla O Sullivan is a senior computational biologist in Teagasc Food Research Centre with over 12 years of experience in microbiome research. Orla graduated from University College Cork with a BSc in Biochemistry and subsequently a PhD in Bioinformatics. She was awarded a prestigious SFI Starting Investigator Research Grant and the APC Microbiome Ireland scientist of the year in 2014. Orla is a senior investigator with the SFI research centres APC Microbiome Ireland and VistaMilk. Orla has a H-Index of 45 with 9,720 citations many of which in high impacting journals such as Nature, GUT and PNAS. In 2018 Orla was named by Clarivate Analytics as a Highly Cited Researcher. Her research focuses on elucidating the microbiome from various environments including human gut and lung, rumen and food. Of particular interest to her is the role of physical fitness, exercise and diet, on the human gut microbiome both in elite athletes, general population and diseased cohorts. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. O’Sullivan has extensive experience both in mentoring staff and students. Currently she has 3 PhD students and 2 post-doc under her direct supervisions as well as MSc placement students. |
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Paul Cotter Researcher Profile & Email Address Twitter: @paulcotter |
Food Biosciences Department |
Food, Gut, Microbiome, Sequencing, Fermentation, Health Dr Paul Cotter is a Senior Principal Research Officer and Head of Food Biosciences at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark. His is also a PI with the SFI Centres APC Microbiome Ireland and VistaMilk, and the Enterprise Ireland funded Food for Health Ireland, he is an adjunct lecturer at CIT and is responsible for the Teagasc Next Gen Sequencing facility. The Cotter group internationally known for his research relating to the microbiome of foods, food production/processing environments and of humans and animals and modifying this microbiome in beneficial ways (including through the use of foods, strains, antimicrobial peptides and/or exercise). His research has been published in 262 peer reviewed paper, 19 chapters and 2 books (H index Google scholar 70). Dr Cotter’s research is funded by SFI, DAFM, Teagasc, IRC and through the €12million EU H2020 project ‘Master’ (co-ordinated by Paul). Teagasc and his laboratory have received awards at the title Irish Lab of the Year Awards in 2013, 16, 17, 18 and 19. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr. Cotter has supervised 24 PhDs and 10 MScs to completion and currently supervises 9 Post-docs/research fellows, 11 PhD students and 2 technicians. |
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Rita Hickey |
Food Biosciences Department |
Milk oligosaccharides, milk glycoproteins, host-microbial interactions, food glycans, colostrum. Dr. Rita Hickey is a senior research officer in the Food Biosciences Dept. at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark. Her main research interests focus on investigating the biological properties of sugars isolated from food sources. Rita is the lead PI on the FHI Infant Nutrition workpackage for Food for Health Ireland and was a funded PI on the SFI-funded Alimentary Glycobiology Research Cluster (AGRC). She is a faculty member of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) and currently collaborates with PIs from the APC. A major area of interest is the effect of food derived oligosaccharides on host-microbial interactions in the gut. For instance, milk oligosaccharides can alter intestinal glycosylation, which in turn contributes to early immune development and maturation of the newborn intestinal tract. In the Hickey lab, strategies to increase the colonisation of infant-associated Bifidobacteria have been extensively investigated in recent years with promising results. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Hickey has supervised 4 PhD and 5 Post-doctoral scientists to completion and a host of student internships in the past. She is currently supervising 5 PhD students and 2 post-doctoral scientists. Rita manages the Tissue culture facilities at Teagasc and actively participated in Teagasc’s Walsh Fellowship Programme (post-graduate) as a member of the Walsh Fellowship Committee and student mentor for the Food research. Ex-postgraduate scientists from her lab currently hold senior positions in industry and academia including: Senior researcher Biostime; RD&A Senior Scientist, Kerry Group; Senior Researcher, Quadram Institute Bioscience; CAPA Specialist; Kora Healthcare. |
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Ruth Hamill |
Food Quality & Sensory Science Department |
Meat quality, omics technologies, imaging and spectroscopy for meat quality We are interested in discovering genes, proteins and functional pathways which influence product quality in beef, pork and sheepmeat. Further interests are on the relevance of hyperspectral imaging to online food quality monitoring. We have published our research in high quality journals including Proteomics, BMC Genomics, PLoS One, Journal of Animal Science, Meat Science. The lab is well-funded and collaborative with five active research projects, funded by European Union and Irish national funding programmes. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Hamill has supervised five PhD students to completion, and has been mentor to 6 postdoctoral scientists in the last few years. PhD students in the group all submitted their theses within 4 years and published 4-7 papers from their work. All secured excellent positions in high quality labs following submission. She currently supervises the research activities of 2 PhD students, as well as being mentor to two postdoctoral scientists, one of whom is a Marie Sklodowska Curie Career-FIT Research Fellow. |
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Sean Hogan |
Food Chemistry and Technology Department |
Food, Dairy, Rheology, Lipids, Structure, Ingredients Dr. Hogan is a Senior Researcher in the Food Chemistry and Technology Department at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark. His research areas include food ingredient interactions, structure/function relationships, soft matter science, rheology and emulsions/surface science. Other interests include colloidal interactions, state transitions, spray drying and powder functionality. He also leads the food lipids platform at TFRC. He manages a state-of-the-art rheology/soft matter laboratory, which includes a wide range of equipment used for the analysis of food material behaviour. Research area of interest for application:
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Dr Hogan has supervised 2 PhDs and several visiting scientists. |
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Shivani Pathania |
Food Industry Development Department |
Food Packaging, Technology Development, Membrane Filtration, Extrusion, Food Formulation, Waste Utilisation Shivani’s research interests include food packaging, novel food processing technologies, ingredient interactions especially starch and protein ingredients. During her previous roles, Shivani has gained expertise in scalable processes and gained a strong knowledge on thermal and non- thermal separation and processing techniques in improving process efficiency, waste product utilization and new product development. In particular, she is interested in different formats and types of food packaging (compostable and recyclable) to reduce plastic waste and achieve circularity in food systems. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr Pathania has completed a number of industry projects for food company clients and she has contributed to the supervision and training of 5 short term graduate students in the past year. |
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Song Miao |
Food Chemistry & Technology Department |
Novel delivery systems, dehydration and post-drying technologies, stabilization of probiotics, water structuring. The work of my research group focusses on Food Material Science and Structure Design. Research areas of interest for application:
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Experience of mentoring and supervision: 11 PhD and MSc students completed and 8 PhD and MSc students on-going |
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Tom Beresford |
Food Biosciences Department |
Cheese and nutrition, Diry fermentation The group has extensive experience in cheese microbiology and biochemistry with a current focus on nutritional and health benefits of cheese and dairy products. The group also works on development of dairy fermentates with health benefits much of it directed toward the release of bioactive peptides from milk proteins during fermentation. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr Beresford has extensive experience of supervising staff and students to PhD level and his team currently includes a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Career FIT Fellow |
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Tom O’Callaghan |
Food Chemistry & Technology Department |
Dairy, diet, chemistry, nutrition, processing, production. My research program focuses on dairy chemistry and processing across the supply chain with particular emphasis on the effects of farming practices, cow feeding systems and dairy processing technologies on the quality and functional characteristics of milk and dairy products. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr. Callaghan’s team currently consists of 3 PhD students, 1 Research Officer and 1 Post-doctoral Researcher. |
Agricultural Economics & Farm Surveys, Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis Department
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Aine Macken-Walsh |
Agrifood Business & Spatial Analysis Department |
Sociology; narrative methodologies; participatory methodologies; co-design of extension interventions; integration of primary producers to short food supply chains. |
Dr. Walsh has supervised three Post-Doctoral trainees and eight PhD students to completion. Currently, her team consists of three Post-Doctoral trainees and three PhD students, all working on sociology and extension topics. |
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Cathal Buckley |
Agricultural Economics & Farm Surveys Department |
Natural Resource Use Economics, Delivery of Public Goods through Agriculture, Sustainability, Farmer behaviour My research group focused on nutrient management efficiency, sustainable (economic / environmental /social) agricultural production systems, farmer behavioural analysis and delivery of public goods through agriculture. |
Dr Buckley has experience of post-doctoral and PhD candidate supervision. |
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Emma Dillon |
Agricultural Economics & Farm Surveys Department |
Farm-level modelling, sustainability, farmer behaviour, animal health, technology adoption, CAP reform As an Economist with the Teagasc National Farm Survey (FADN) team Emma has a multi-faceted role in terms of survey design, data analysis and reporting of key trends in contemporary Irish agriculture. Her research interests include agricultural policy modelling at the farm-level particularly in the area of sustainability and animal health management; most recently with regard to farmer behaviour and technology adoption. Current research also includes an assessment of labour input and efficiency on Irish dairy farms. She has also been previously involved in research in the area of consumer behaviour, specifically with regard to acceptance of novel food technologies and research relating to employment trends in rural areas. Research areas of interest for application:
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Dr Dillion is currently supervising 4 PhD students in different areas of agricultural economics and farm surveys. She has considerable experience of supervising Post-docs and senior research fellows. |
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Maeve Henchion |
Agrifood Business & Spatial Analysis Department |
Social science, consumer acceptance, bioeconomy, protein, innovation systems, public policy. Dr. Maeve leads 7 permanent research staff and associated post-docs and PhD students in the Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis. In addition she contributes to social science research perspectives to multidisciplinary research projects that relate to innovation in the agrifood sector and wider economy. The results of her research inform the development of industry roadmaps and public policy. Current research themes relate to the bioeconomy, protein demand and supply, and food chain integrity. |
Dr. Maeve has supervised 10 postgraduate students to completion (PhD and Masters by Research) as well as 13 post docs/contract research officers.
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Sinead McCarthy |
Agrifood Business & Spatial Analysis Department |
Functional food acceptance, older consumers, new product development, sensory science. My team focusses on consumer behaviour research in relation to food and health. Current projects include consumer food choice and health behaviour, consumer acceptance of novel food technologies, functional foods, drivers of cheese consumption, new product development and sensory science. Research areas of interest for application: Consumer behaviour in relation to food, nutrition and health |
Dr. Sinead McCarthy has 20 years of experience in mentoring and supervising both undergraduate and post graduate students as well as post-doctoral fellows, research staff and colleagues. |
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Stuart Green |
Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis Department |
Remote sensing, Earth observation, Machine learning, Drone Using Earth Observation satellites and drones to support Irish agricultural sustainability especially with respect to grassland production, biodiversity and GHG Research area of interest for application:
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Dr. Stuart Green has supervised 7 PhDs and 4 post-doctoral scientists to completion.
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