News
Year in Review 2021
We are delighted to highlight an incredible year of success and impact for the APC Microbiome Ireland and UCC communities
January
No public announcements were made this month.
February
Prof John Cryan on BBC's Made of Stronger Stuff
On 12 February, APC signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Jiangnan in China to strengthen collaboration in food and microbiome research. The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship and promotes joint research, staff and student exchanges, and collaborative learning.
On 15 February, APC was shortlisted for the SFI Future Innovator Prize under the Food Challenge, which focuses on tackling food waste and promoting healthy ageing. The Solarbiome project, led by Paul O’Toole, Elke Arendt and Suzanne Timmons, aims to optimise diets for undernourished older adults.
On 19 February, a new APC study demonstrated the value of handheld DNA sequencers for monitoring microbes in food production. Compared to lab-based methods, these portable devices identified similar bacterial diversity, pointing to their potential for fast, on-site microbial surveillance.
On 26 February, John Cryan featured in the BBC’s Made of Stronger Stuff, discussing the appendix and the gut-brain connection. He highlighted how emerging research links Parkinson’s disease with gut microbiota, supporting the concept of “gut-first” neurodegenerative conditions.
March
On 8 March, APC celebrated International Women’s Day with a showcase of quotes and videos from over 20 women researchers. The campaign highlighted the diverse roles women play in science and the value of representation in microbiome research.
On 10 March, John Cryan was appointed Vice President for Research and Innovation at UCC. A pioneer in microbiome-brain research and a prolific science communicator, he has played a key role in shaping APC’s global impact and interdisciplinary culture.
Also on 10 March, APC published a tribute to the late Todd Klaenhammer, a key figure in lactic acid bacteria research and mentor to many in the APC community. His influence extended across microbiology and personal relationships in the field.
On 22 March, APC participated in the launch of Stomping Out Loud!, a video blending music and neuroscience. Developed with UCC’s Music Department, the project showed how rhythm and body percussion can support mental health and brain function, especially during COVID-related isolation.
April
Dr. Corinna Sadlier Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Cork University Hospital & Prof. Liam O'Mahony, Dept. of Medicine and School of Microbiology, APC Microbiome Ireland find Long COVID linked with Immune Response Signature
On 28 April, APC researchers published the first study linking Long COVID to immune system changes months after infection. Led by Liam O’Mahony and Corinna Sadlier, the study found persistent elevation of immune signals in patients, pointing to ongoing immune activation as a potential driver of symptoms.
May
On 13 May, APC launched a public exhibition called The Invisible Made Visible, blending STEM and art to explain COVID testing through lino printing. The collaboration with artist Shevaun Doherty aimed to make PCR science accessible to children and adults through visual storytelling.
On 17 May, APC hosted a public webinar for World IBD Day focused on living with inflammatory bowel disease. The event featured voices from researchers, clinicians, and patients, addressing physical and emotional impacts of IBD and discussing promising therapies.
June
A cooking demonstration by Darina Allen for World Microbiome day 2021
On 4 June, PhD student Jack Daly won FameLab Cork for his talk “A Bellyful of Bile,” which explained the role of bile acids and gut bacteria. Several other APC researchers competed in the science communication event, showcasing topics from exercise and mental health to microbiome ecosystems.
Also on 4 June, APC launched its 2021–2026 Strategic Vision, outlining plans for a new innovation hub, new spin-outs, and major goals in food, health, and sustainability. Contributions from Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Simon Harris underlined APC’s national and global significance.
On 11 June, APC researchers invited participants with and without IBS to join a focus group for the FOODS4ME study. The project explores how dietary fibres and FODMAP ingredients affect gut health in different populations and could lead to microbiome-tailored food products.
On 22 June, APC announced a packed programme for World Microbiome Day 2021. Events included a cooking demonstration by Darina Allen, a webinar on diet and immunity, a children’s book reading, and a panel on sustainability. Public competitions invited entries on microbe-themed hobbies and artwork.
July
No public announcements were made this month.
August
No public announcements were made this month.
September
Prof John Cryan, Dr Marcus Boehme, PhD student Katherine E. Guzzetta and Dr Thomaz Bastiaanssen
On 3 September, research led by John Cryan published in Nature Aging showed that transplanting microbes from young mice to old mice improved memory and brain health. The study suggests microbial-based therapies could one day counteract age-related cognitive decline.
On 6 September, APC awarded the 2021 Charles Donovan Prize to Dr Jeffrey Gordon for his pioneering work in microbiome science. Gordon delivered the keynote at APC’s Autumn Symposium, focusing on microbiota-directed foods for addressing childhood malnutrition.
On 28 September, APC hosted a public webinar titled Tackling Long COVID Together and launched a national survey to capture patient experiences. The session featured medical experts and patients and aimed to shape future research and clinical strategies on post-COVID care.
October
On 15 October, APC launched a public call for healthy volunteers aged 30–50, both regular coffee drinkers and non-drinkers, for a study on gut health, stress, and cognition. The trial explores how coffee consumption influences the microbiome and brain function.
November
2021 Clarivate Annual Highly Cited Researchers
On 9 November, APC ran a full programme for Science Week. Activities included career talks, hands-on virtual workshops on immunity with Cork schools, microbe-themed origami, and international science communication sessions.
On 16 November, 13 APC researchers were named in Clarivate’s annual Highly Cited Researchers list, representing over a third of the Irish total. Researchers were recognised for influence in fields such as microbiology, neuroscience, food science, and psychiatry.
December
On 6 December, APC and UCC announced a new €1.2 million research partnership with King’s College London to study how exercise affects the gut microbiome and brain health in middle age. Led by Yvonne Nolan and John Cryan, the project focuses on identifying microbiota-based markers of cognitive ageing.
