Research in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology

The School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology is a modern, vibrant academic and research unit, performing internationally recognized research and delivering high quality academic programmes in the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) and the College of Medicine and Health.

Staff of the School are significant contributors to the Life Sciences at UCC with a strong research ethos, and with an excellent track record of publication in high impact journals and securing competitive research funding. The School’s established research areas include cancer biology, neuroscience, immunobiology, host-microbe interactions, vaccine development and delivery, cellular signalling and membrane trafficking, RNA biology, biological data analysis or novel biosensors. Staff are also dedicated to communicating their enthusiasm and knowledge to students, colleagues and the public.

The School has a strong emphasis on fundamental and translational research that is linked to multi-disciplinary collaborations across the University, including affiliated hospitals, Clinical Research Facility, leading research institutes; APC Microbiome Ireland, Tyndall National Institute, Environmental Research Institute, Teagasc - Agriculture and Food Development Authority, and The Food Institute, as well as with national and international research centres and universities. The School also has a high level of innovation and entrepreneurship, including spin out companies (Luxcel Biosciences Ltd., RiboMaps and Milisbio) and interactions with industry.

Research in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology is generously supported by research funding from the European Union, Wellcome Trust, Science Foundation Ireland, Health Research Board, Enterprise Ireland, Cancer Research Ireland, the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology, Environment Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, a range of charities and philanthropy  as well as through collaboration with local and international industry.  Our research themes are discrete, overlapping and often multidisciplinary in nature.