Antibiotics Unearthed and Best Poster 2022-23

1 Dec 2022

BSc Microbiology third year students presented their project results as part of their lab-based Module MB3016 Methods in Microbiology. Coordinated and curated by Carmel Shortiss, the Poster Session held in the UCC Council Room on the North Wing of the Main Quad drew a large crowd from staff and students.

'Antibiotics Unearthed' was inspired by the Small World Initiative™, organised and managed by the Microbiology Society for four very successful years. The School of Microbiology, UCC was chosen as one of the six original participants of this project, which lives on in UCC as a part of the 10-credit Module MB3016 Methods in Microbiology. As part of this module the students experience real research, hoping to find the next new antibiotic from soil. They develop protocols and lead their own research project, experiencing what it is like to be a research microbiologist. This experience is particularly important for students, giving them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with a professional environment and engage with research microbiologists. Teamwork and ability to present scientific results are lifelong skills that the students learn while participating in the project.

Dr Niall O’Leary, Deputy Head of School of Microbiology, presented the Prize for best Poster. The standard of work from the third-year students was high again this year which made judging the poster competition very enjoyable and satisfying but a particularly difficult task for the judges. Dr O'Leary acknowledged the work of the technical support staff team and in particular Dr John O'Callaghan for supporting the students during their projects.

The overall Best Group Poster winners 2022-23 were Beth Callaly, Louisa Faherty McGrath and Millie Berkery.

Image L-R: Dr Niall O’Leary presenting and Beth Callaly and Louisa Faherty McGrath receiving their prize.