Development of novel high protein products for use in weight management and ageing cohorts 

Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2025209                  
University: University College Cork (UCC)                               
Funding: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine        

Research Institution: Teagasc 
Location: Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork 
Proposed Start Date: October 2026 

Project Description: 
Ireland faces two major and interconnected public health challenges: an ageing population and rising obesity rates. In both groups, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, is an increasing concern. Sarcopenia contributes to frailty, reduced mobility, poorer quality of life, and increased 
risk of illness and mortality, particularly among older adults. Inadequate protein intake and loss of fat-freIe mass (FFM) are also common among ageing individuals and those undertaking weight-loss interventions. Although older adults are recommended to consume approximately 1.2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, many do not meet these requirements. Addressing muscle loss and supporting healthy ageing are therefore important priorities for healthcare systems and society. 

Despite the availability of many high-protein nutritional supplements, most existing products are developed for sports nutrition markets and are often unsuitable or unappealing for older adults or individuals with clinical nutritional needs. There remains a significant knowledge and market gap for high-quality, functional 
protein products specifically designed to support muscle maintenance and preserve FFM in ageing and weight-management populations. There is also a need for practical nutritional solutions that can be easily incorporated into everyday diets while effectively supporting muscle protein synthesis. 

The PRO-WIN project aims to address this challenge through the development of innovative high-protein delivery systems using a “Food First” approach. The project will focus primarily on milk protein-based formulations enriched with nutrients known to support muscle protein synthesis. This PhD will contribute to the development and assessment of these formulations and evaluate their potential for integration into everyday diets. The project will investigate how functional high-protein products can be designed to better meet the nutritional needs of ageing and weight-management populations while remaining practical and 
acceptable for regular consumption. 

The expected outcomes of the project include the development of targeted nutritional solutions to support muscle maintenance and healthier ageing. The research has the potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals at risk of sarcopenia and loss of FFM, while also reducing the healthcare burden associated with ageing and obesity. The project will benefit healthcare systems, the food and nutrition sector, and researchers working in nutrition and healthy ageing.

PRO-WIN is funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and forms part of a larger collaborative project coordinated by Dr. Noel McCarthy at Teagasc. 

Supervision 
The project will be supervised by Dr Noel McCarthy at Teagasc, whose research focuses on dairy chemistry and dairy processing. Co-supervision will be provided by Dr Majella O’Keeffe (Clinical dietician) and Dr Tom O’Callaghan, Lecturers in the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences at University College Cork.  

Research Environment 
The successful candidate will be based full-time at Teagasc Food Research Centre in Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland and will be a registered post-graduate student at the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, UCC. The project provides access to research infrastructure in the Food Chemistry and Technology Department at 
Teagasc Moorepark, as well as similar access to facilities at UCC. 

As a Walsh Scholar, you will engage with national and international research networks and collaborate with researchers working across dairy chemistry, processing and nutritional science. 

Career and Training Opportunities 
The Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme provides a structured four-year training and development framework designed to support both academic excellence and long-term career readiness. Scholars develop advanced scientific and analytical expertise alongside transferable skills in communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement through expert-led training, workshops, and tailored professional development. 

Opportunities are provided to present research at national and international conferences, supporting professional networking and active engagement with the wider research community. Dedicated final-year career supports focus on preparing scholars for impactful roles across research, industry, advisory services, 
and policy, in Ireland and internationally. 

Through the Teagasc International Training Awards, scholars may undertake an international research placement of up to 12 weeks aligned with their PhD project. Outstanding achievement may also be recognised through the Walsh Scholars of the Year and Gold Medal Awards. 

Candidate Profile and Eligibility 

Applicants should ideally: 

• Hold a First or 2.1 Honours degree (or Master’s) in Food Science, Chemistry,       Biochemistry, Agricultural Science, Science or a related discipline.

• Demonstrate strong data handling and analytical skills.

 
• Show the ability to apply multidisciplinary approaches to hypothesis-driven   research.

 
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a research team.

 
• Meet UCC postgraduate entry and English language requirements 

Funding Details 
This is a fully funded four-year PhD funded by DAFM, including: 
• €25,000 annual stipend  
• University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum