Postgraduate Research Areas

Pharmacology is the study of the interactions that occur between a living organism and chemicals that affect normal or abnormal biochemical function. The field encompasses drug composition and properties, interactions, toxicology, therapy, medical applications and antipathogenic capabilities. In pharmacology, therapeutics refers to the use of drugs and the method of their administration in the treatment of disease.  

University College Cork is a globally-oriented, research-led university that focuses on the challenges and opportunities that are shaping the future of our nation and the wider world. UCC is an internationally competitive, research-led University that plays a key role in the development of Ireland’s knowledge-based economy. 

The research activities in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics reflect the broad nature of the disciple but fall within the following research themes aligned with Research strategies of the College of Medicine and Health, the University and national and international research themes of strategic importance.

Our list of research areas below will give you an overview of the research areas within the department.

• Pharmacological and pathophysiological aspects of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes - Dr Cathal McCarthy
• Obstetric complications and fetal neurodevelopmental outcomes - Dr Cathal McCarthy 
• Biochemical and immunological aspects of toxicity - Dr Frank van Pelt 
• Cancer cell signaling and its modification (therapeutic or environmental) - Dr Orla Barry 
• Neurobiology of Stress and Trauma / Brain-Gut Microbiome Axis - Dr Rachel Maloney 
• Vascular biology and functional foods - Prof David Kerins
• Stroke, Neurodegenerative disorders and Neuroprotection - Prof Christian Waeber 
• Pharmacological and pathophysiological aspects of cardiovascular biology - Dr Gerardene Murphy-Meade
• Identification and Development of Cardioprotective Agents for the Treatment of Cardiac Pathologies - Dr Roisin Kelly-Laubscher
• Alzheimer’s disease and rare neurodegenerative diseases - Dr Barry Boland 
• Neuroimmune interactions, gut micrbiome and reproductive disorders- Dr Maria Buckley