Dr Donagh Berry Receives Doctor of Science Degree from University College Cork

30 Oct 2026

Internationally renowned livestock researcher, Dr Donagh Berry, has received a Doctor of Science Degree (DSc) from University College Cork (UCC) at the Autumn Conferring Ceremonies on 27 October.

Dr Berry is a Senior Principal Research Officer and Quantitative Geneticist at Teagasc's Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, and an Adjunct Professor in Population Genetics at University College Cork (UCC). He is the Director of VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre, Ireland’s national centre for science and digital innovation in pasture-based dairy.

Internationally recognised for his contributions to animal breeding, genetics and genomics, he has played a leading role in advancing sustainable livestock production systems in Ireland and internationally. 

This special conferring recognises Dr Berry's outstanding contribution to agricultural science, research excellence and innovation, as well as his significant impact on the development of sustainable and efficient livestock breeding programmes. His work spans dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, and has influenced breeding strategies, genomic evaluations and decision-support tools used across the agri-food sector. 

As a graduate of University College Cork, where he completed an MSc in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, and through his longstanding role as an Adjunct Professor at UCC, Dr Berry has made a valued contribution to the university's research and teaching mission. 

The College of Science, Engineering and Food Science extends our congratulations to Dr Berry on this important recognition.

Paying tribute to Donagh, Frank Buckley Professor of Agricultural Science and academic director of CK412, UCC’s degree in Agricultural Science, delivered in partnership with Teagasc added:

“Beyond his academic achievements, Donagh has played a significant role in translating scientific research into practical solutions for farmers, industry and policymakers. This is best exemplified by his leadership of our 4th year Agricultural Science module ‘Applied Bovine Genetics and Genomics’, which we are extremely fortunate to have him deliver at UCC".