International Women's Day 2025 celebrated by UCC Women Scientists and Innovators

10 Mar 2025

International Women’s Day on March 7th 2025 was celebrated in a very informative women's health research and innovation event. Organised by Anatomy & Neuroscience PhD students Ashley Benge and Saoirse Kelly in Professor Siobhain O'Mahony's research group, the event featured a dynamic mix of poster presentations showcasing the work of female researchers and innovators and groundbreaking studies in women’s health, alongside engaging talks and panel discussions.

Ashley Benge, Senior Technical Officer, PhD student and event host, welcomed attendees, introduced the event’s purpose, and outlined the agenda before guiding the audience through the day’s sessions. In her opening remarks, Ashley spoke about the motivation behind the event, emphasising its goal to foster collaboration, highlight important work, and provide a platform for discussions that inspire and empower. She highlighted the importance of creating spaces where women can share their experiences, challenges, and achievements, and how these conversations are essential in driving change, advancing gender equality, and encouraging the next generation of women leaders 

Presentations by guest speakers; Dr Tanya Mulcahy, Dr Harriët Schellekens, Professor Ken O’Halloran, Professor Siobhain O'Mahony and Professor Anita Maguire, were interspersed with two expert Panel Discussions. Insights on diet and nutrition, the gut-brain axis, hormone health, and innovations in women’s health were shared and sparked valuable discussions and new connections.

Dr Tanya Mulcahy, Director of Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) and founder of FemTechIreland, was the first speaker, in her presentation she highlighted the critical gaps in women’s health research and how innovation is addressing these challenges. She emphasised the historical underrepresentation of women in medical research and the need for gender-specific healthcare solutions. Dr Mulcahy also showcased emerging innovations in women’s health, driven by initiatives like FemTechIreland, which has supported over 20 pioneering health technologies. These innovations span areas such as reproductive health, diagnostics, and digital health solutions, aiming to improve outcomes for women. Dr Mulcahy underscored the importance of collaboration between researchers, startups, and policymakers to accelerate progress in women’s health.

Dr Harriët Schellekens, Senior Lecturer, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, Principal Investigator with Food for Health Ireland, and Funded investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland, then captivated the audience with insights into the Gut-Brain Axis and its impact on women's health, particularly about metabolism, appetite, and food cravings. She explained how the gut microbiome, the vast ecosystem of bacteria in our digestive system, communicates with the brain, influencing mood, stress responses, and eating behaviours. She highlighted research on the role of the gut-brain axis in obesity and stress, demonstrating how hormonal fluctuations can drive food cravings. Key hormones such as ghrelin, leptin, and serotonin were discussed in relation to appetite control, emotional eating, and metabolic health. Dr Schellekens emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle choices to help regulate cravings and overall well-being.

Panel members from the first discussion group Nutrition were then introduced; Professor Jens Walters, Professor of Ecology, Food, and the Microbiome at UCC and APC Microbiome Ireland,  Dr Harriët  Schellekens, Senior Lecturer, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, Principal Investigator with Food for Health Ireland, and Funded investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland and Dr Samantha Cushens, a CORU-registered dietitian and Lecturer in dietetics at UCC.

Patricia Flynn, a PhD student in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience led an engaging discussion, which explored the essential role of nutrition in women’s health, emphasising its impact on energy, hormone balance, and overall well-being.

The panellists dispelled some common myths about nutrition, clarifying the necessary role that carbohydrates play in providing energy and how healthy fats play a key role in hormone regulation. They discussed how proper nutrition can help manage PMS, fertility, and menopause, while also highlighting the importance of gut health in digestion, mood, and metabolism. The panel emphasized mindful eating, explaining how balanced meals, hydration, and stress management can help control cravings. Overall, the discussion encouraged women to make informed, sustainable food choices to support long-term health.

Presentations from two guest speakers followed;

Professor Ken O’Halloran Professor of Physiology and Head of the Department of Physiology at University College College Cork, in an engaging talk described how hormonal changes before and after menopause affect blood flow to the brain. He highlighted the protective role that oestrogen plays in vascular health, and the increased risk of cognitive and cardiovascular issues after menopause. Emphasising early intervention, advocating exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and stress management to support long-term brain function, Professor O’Halloran also stressed the need for more inclusive research exploring women’s health.

Professor Siobhain O'Mahony, Professor of Neurobiology in Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Principal Investigator APC Microbiome and Founder of FemmeBiome, and co-organiser of the Women’s Day event, congratulated her students on organising the event and discussed the connection between hormones, gut microbes, and brain health during menopause. She explained how hormonal changes impact the gut microbiome, which in turn influences mood, cognition, and overall well-being. With declining estrogen, shifts in gut bacteria can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and cognitive changes. She emphasised the role of diet, probiotics, and lifestyle choices in maintaining a healthy gut-brain connection to support mental and emotional health during menopause.

The Innovation Panel comprising of Dr Tanya Mulcahy, Director of Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) and founder of FemTechIreland, Dr Sally Cudmore, Director of Innovation in University College Cork, and Dr Julie O'Sullivan, founder and commercial lead of SkinCoat a skincare innovation company harnessing postbiotics to transform eczema care, then explored challenges in health innovation.

Led by questions from host Patricia Flynn the panel discussed difficulties facing innovators, from funding and regulations to breaking into industry. The panellists highlighted the need for mentorship, networking, and industry support, especially for women researchers. They encouraged leveraging accelerator programs, funding opportunities, and collaborations to navigate barriers and turn ideas into impactful solutions. 

Bringing the engaging and interesting event to a close Professor Anita Maguire: Director ABCRF, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Professor of School of Chemistry & School of Pharmacy, spoke of her experiences as a pioneering female in her discipline and how she has seen changes in the progress in gender equality and equity in science during her career, while acknowledging the work still needed.

She emphasized the importance of ensuring women and their research receive equal recognition and opportunities to help even the playing field. Collaboration across the entire community—not just women—is key to driving lasting change. Once seen as a disadvantage, she highlighted how being a woman in research is now a SuperPower, bringing diverse perspectives and innovation to the forefront.

The enthusiasm and participation from attendees highlighted the growing need for continued focus on these critical topics. This event marked the efforts within the Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience to foster collaboration, drive research, and create a lasting platform for advancing women’s health.  The organisers look forward to building on this momentum with future events.

The event organisers PhD students Ashley Benge and Saoirse Kelly along with their colleagues in Professor Siobhain O’Mahony’s lab thank the EDI Committee in College of Medicine and Health, APC Microbiome, Femmebiome, Health Innovation Hub Ireland: Femtech and UCC Innovation for their support.

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Photographs and News item Bereniece Riedewald.

With thanks to Ashley Benge for event details.