School of Microbiology Researchers receive UCC Research & Innovation Awards

27 May 2026

Congratulations to Professor Paul O'Toole and Professor Jens Walter. These annual awards recognise and celebrate excellence in research and innovation.

Professor Paul O’Toole receives UCC Research Career Achievement Award

Professor Paul O’Toole was joint winner of the Research Career Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to microbiology, microbial genomics and human microbiome research. Paul is Professor of Microbial Genomics in the School of Microbiology, UCC, and a Group Leader at APC Microbiome Ireland. Across his career, he has helped advance understanding of gastrointestinal bacteria, host-microbe interactions, diet, ageing and human health. His work has shaped international research on the gut microbiome, including through ELDERMET, a landmark study examining the relationship between diet, gut microbes and health in older people. He is co-founder of CaraBia, an APC spin-out company developing microbiome-tailored food products for healthy ageing. Paul’s research influence has been recognised globally. He has been named a Clarivate Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher every year from 2018 to 2025, reflecting the sustained international impact of his publications. This award recognises a career defined by scientific leadership, collaboration, innovation, and mentorship. Paul’s work has strengthened UCC’s international standing in microbiome science and helped position Cork as a global centre for microbiome research.

Professor Jens Walter named Research Communicator of the Year

Jens is Professor of Ecology, Food and the Microbiome in the School of Microbiology at UCC and a Group Leader at APC Microbiome Ireland. His research sits at the interface of microbiome ecology, human nutrition and health, with a focus on how host-microbe relationships can inform nutritional and therapeutic strategies. This award recognises his ability to communicate complex microbiome science with clarity, relevance and public value, helping wider audiences understand why microbiome research matters. In particular, Jens has been very active communicating the benefits of the Non-industrialized Microbiome Restore (NiMe) diet that he developed with colleagues in the University of Alberta, including publishing a recipe book and partnering with GourmetFuel to produce and deliver NiMe meals on demand throughout Ireland.