DCU Researchers awarded Research Ireland postgraduate and postdoctoral scholarships

DNA is the foundation of life, consisting of linked strands that contain molecular instructions for the manufacture of cellular machinery. Every time a cell replicates it must first faithfully replicate it’s DNA content so that both daughter cells contain a full copy of the genome. The intricacies of DNA synthesis, however, are such that the ends of genomic DNA cannot be copied and are therefore lost, meaning that each generation has less DNA. This phenomenon is known as the “end problem” and results in the gradual shortening of the chromosome. Life has evolved to contain a form of sacrificial DNA, known as telomeric DNA, to combat this loss of genetic material. The telomere does eventually reach a critical length after 50-70 replication cycles that triggers the cell to enter a non-replicating state known as senescence.
Many cancers, however, continuously synthesise new telomeric DNA and therefore do not reach this state of senescence and instead continue into replicative immortality. Cancer cells can achieve this telomeric lengthening and maintenance via activation of a protein known as telomerase, or through a process known as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). A key intermediate in the ALT pathway is a four-stranded DNA structure known as the Holliday Junction (HJ).
This project aims to target metal complexes to the HJ to catalyse their cleavage and combat the ALT pathway. To do this, we will combine state-of-art HJ binding agents with small molecules known as artificial metallonucleases (AMNs). AMNs are transition metal complexes that cause the cleavage of DNA. Achieving HJ-targeted cleavage will, theoretically, stall or halt the ALT pathway, thereby triggering the cell to revert senescence or stimulate a programmed death pathway known as apoptosis. We believe this discovery can produce a new breakthrough class of chemotherapy for treating ALT-positive (ALT+) cancers.

Platinum(II) chemotherapeutics are worldwide approved for their use against a multitude of cancer types, including colorectal, head and neck, and ovarian cancers. However, even with their wide use in the clinic (accounting for approximately 50% of all cancer treatments), they show several severe drawbacks: acquired/innate resistance, off-target toxicity to healthy cells, and poor oral bioavailability. To overcome these limitation, an emerging option the bioinorganic community are now focused on is the development of new ruthenium(II) chemotherapeutics. So far, four Ru(II) complexes have entered phase II clinical trials, showing their promise as chemotherapeutics. Unfortunately, however, some have failed due to severe side-effects. One strategy involving Ru(II) complexes is Photoactivated Chemotherapy (PACT): where photo-induced displacement of a ligand promotes the DNA-directed anti-cancer activity of the Ru(II) compound. This allows for both spatial and temporal selectivity of anti-cancer activity. This project aims to address the selectivity limitations inherent to existing clinical metallodrugs by developing oncogene directed Ru(II) PACT agents. Here, the selectivity arises from the use of Triplex-Forming Oligonucleotides (TFOs). TFOs can recognise specific double-stranded DNA in human cells, and bind them, forming a triplex. While TFO's are highly selective, one limitation to the application of clinically relevant TFOs is that their stability is considered weak at neutral pH. Here, Ru(II)-PACT DNA intercalating agents will be attached to a TFO, resulting in promoting selective binding, triplex stabilisation, and silencing of specific cancer causing. We aim to show how binding of the TFO can be augmented through the attachment of a major groove binding Ru(II) intercalator complex. Upon photoactivation, ligand substitution will be promoted allowing ruthenium-mediated covalent crosslinking between the Ru(II)-TFO conjugate and target DNA. This will ultimately result in the silencing of the target gene with high selectivity due to PACT activity.

The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of several de-facto states—entities that lack international recognition yet possess many characteristics of statehood. Today, three such entities exist: Transnistria, which seceded from Moldova in 1992, and South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which broke away from Georgia in 1992 and 1993, respectively. The circumstances surrounding their creation vary significantly. However, these regions share a common factor: prior to their wars of secession, they housed substantial populations of "parent-state titulars," the dominant ethnic groups from the states they seceded from. The 1989 Soviet census indicated Moldovans constituted 40% of Transnistria’s population, while Georgians comprised 45% of Abkhazia’s and 29% of South Ossetia’s.

How these titulars responded to the emergence of these separatist movements remains unexplored. This project fills that gap by examining the reactions of Moldovans in Transnistria and Georgians in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It will develop a theoretical model to account for regional variation, hypothesising that the most intense opposition will occur where three criteria are met: there is strong parent state majority, with a robust ethnic identity, and elite support for the parent state's territorial integrity. I hypothesise that in regions that do not meet these criteria opposition will be sporadic, and titulars will be more likely to engage in dialogue.

The project will also explore how anti-separatist mobilisation by titulars impacts the trajectory of conflict between separatists and central governments. I propose that separatists will perceive resistant titulars as a threat, prompting a forceful response, which will provoke central authorities to protect their ethnic kin. Additionally, it will examine how mobilisation impacts political competition within the separatist movement and central government, arguing it emboldens hardliners. Finally, I will create an open-access database of translated primary sources to make the data from my research accessible and encourage future study.

The development of new methods which provide access to pharmaceutical drugs is very important to society, especially for improved healthcare (e.g. for the treatment of COVID-19). Chiral molecules are abundant in nature and in pharmaceutical drugs. Chiral molecules are organic compounds that exist in two different forms, a left-handed and a right-handed form, which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. Each form has a different biological effect in the body, one hand providing the desired biological effect and the other providing an undesired effect. ‘Asymmetric synthesis’ is the study in organic chemistry of methods for the selective generation of one chiral stereoisomer molecule. The control of a chiral molecule’s selectivity is of immense importance to healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. The synthesis of a drug molecule in a selective fashion is extremely desired.
This proposal seeks to develop a new, efficient, and stereoselective platform for accessing enantioenriched substituted carboxylic acids, which can act as a springboard to antiviral nucleoside analogues. Nucleoside analogues have been used extensively as clinical antiviral therapeutics, for the treatment of COVID-19 and hepatitis C. The most common synthetic methods for the assembly of antiviral nucleoside analogues by the pharmaceutical industry require >10-16 synthetic steps. I propose to develop a new efficient method for the synthesis of nucleoside analogues. This project is focused on developing the enantioselective synthesis of the desired form of carboxylic acids, and their utilization in synthesis of nucleoside analogues of interest to pharma (e.g. sofosbuvir). This involves the development of a one-pot stereoselective reaction from unsaturated carboxylic acids, organozincs, and ketenes  to form an array of highly substituted carboxylic acids. The proposed work will also enable the training and upskilling of myself as a postgraduate researcher and facilitate the development of technical and transferable skills needed of future industrial and academic leaders.

The project offers an in-depth examination of the European Union’s approach and policy response towards combating terrorist content online while situating it parallelly with its distinct model of countering terrorism in its traditional sense. It will begin with a critical assessment of the dynamic evolution of the EU's counter-terrorism policy. It will help us understand why it has developed a law-enforcement approach to respond to the threat of terrorism. It will then analyse the formulation of the Union’s approach towards the challenge of digital extremism while underlining the nexus between the “offline” and “online” aspects of the EU counter-terrorism policy. The proposed project will examine the effectiveness of integrating these domains and map the challenges in aligning them.

Given the multi-faceted nature of the threat of online terrorism, the proposed project aims to critically assess whether a criminal and judicial approach to countering terrorism would stand the scrutiny of the online space, underlining the issues of fundamental human rights and values and the protection of privacy and freedom of expression. The project attempts to conduct this analysis across several domains, such as radicalisation processes in decentralised online spaces, exploitation of social media platforms and the spread of hateful content, artificial intelligence and chatbots, and the booming gaming industry. The concluding part of the project will extrapolate the findings of the research onto the future, attempting to offer targeted recommendations and policy advice to the EU, aiming to bridge the gap between its offline counter-terrorism strategies and the evolving challenges of combating terrorist content in the online space.

The ability to identify particular molecules is essential for food safety, disease diagnosis, and pollution monitoring in the environment. However, the accuracy and speed of the current approaches are frequently lacking. Our work attempts to develop very sensitive biosensors by utilizing sophisticated nanostructured materials and coupling this with the latest advances in DNA based sensing to address these issues.

Small particles or structures that are created at the nanoscale (a billionth of a meter) and have special qualities because of their size and shape are known as nanostructured materials. These substances can significantly enhance the functionality of biosensors, which are instruments used to identify and quantify biological chemicals. To interact with target molecules more efficiently, for instance, nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanosheets can be created, enabling the detection of even very low concentrations. Our goal is to create these nanostructured materials and coat them with particular biological markers, like nucleic acid strands, so that the sensors can attach to the target molecules with precision. This modification improves the sensors' capacity to precisely identify particular chemicals.

Specifically, the ability to detect tiny amounts of DNA in an environmental sample (e.g. lake water) and to reliably identify the organism from which the DNA originated, would revolutionize environmental sensing and monitoring. However, in order to achieve this goal with tiny amounts of such DNA, an effective method to collect and concentrate such tiny amounts of material is required. Using nanostructured materials with features less than 1000th the width of a hair provides a capture medium with a huge surface to volume ratio to which DNA can adhere. This capture and concentration enables reliable identification of the source organism.

Interaction between the government and the governed is a fundamental element of every hierarchical society. In modern democratic societies, these interactions are institutionally guaranteed to be two-way, and citizens have several avenues to address their governments. In early modern societies, including Ireland, people of all backgrounds used petitions to directly reach the monarch or other central authorities. Consequently, every major political authority in seventeeth-century Ireland regularly received and dealt with an expanding number petitions every year. Study of those interactions, however, remains very limited, as early modern Irish historiography is traditionally focused on elite-focused narratives.

In contrast, my project investigates petitions to foreground a wider range of historical actors that are usually absent from the record, in line with recent developments in historical research worldwide. The project challenges standard top-down interpretations of Ireland’s 17th century administration and state-formation.  It approaches governance from the perspective of the governed, and petitions as their administrative instruments, despite petitioners possessing no executive power.  

Concurrently, this study uses petitions to explore how people constructed their identities in front of power, and how they perceived power itself, against the backdrop of seismic developments like the Irish Rebellion of 1641, the brutal Cromwellian Conquest, and the Stuart Restoration. It innovatively questions what people expected of their rulers in periods of relative calm, uncertainty, and devastation. Petitioning nominally required the petitioners’ belief that the state cared about them – a belief challenged by the persecution of the Catholic majority in the 1600s.

The project is the first comprehensive study of Irish petitions, employing a rich, underutilized source of thousands of original documents. It engages with rapidly emerging scholarship across Europe and the world, and it critically positions the Irish context versus established paradigms of petitioning research, where comparative studies have not accounted for the unique Irish case.

Human population increased the last hundred years all together, leading to consumption of resources which are reflected on the increase in pollution. Humanity faces the great challenge of climate change which leads to irreversible effects on the planet. Therefore, it is important now more than ever to monitor and safeguard the ecosystem as highlighted by governments and scientists. 
The conventional approaches for water pollution rely on the detection of chemicals in the environment and what impact is obvious on species and populations in the ecosystem. These observations are compared against water quality standards as metrics for pollution. In this context, risk assessment has been merely descriptive and is unable to predict pollution. This weakness is a projection of the methods used, that lack sensitivity and mechanistic insight over the action of pollutants, something which is even more highlighted by environmental institutions. On the other hand, it is not only pollutants per se being present in the environment, but also physical changes and stimuli which contribute. Such is the cases of rise or drop of temperature, global warming or even light pollution, which may exert effects we have not seen yet or fully understood on non-target species. 
Collecting molecular knowledge will bridge this gap in the underlying mechanisms for toxicity and physical queues, and research in molecular ecology and ecotoxicology shifts more to the integration of model systems. As such, focusing on the freshwater ecosystem, my project will assess the changes in the physiology of daphnids, also commonly known as water fleas, upon exposure to a range of pollutants and the combination of physical stressors. The translation of molecular information obtained to novel sensitive metrics for pollution will be the ultimate goal using mesocosms as analogues of realistic conditions.

Human population increased the last hundred years all together, leading to consumption of resources which are reflected on the increase in pollution. Humanity faces the great challenge of climate change which leads to irreversible effects on the planet. Therefore, it is important now more than ever to monitor and safeguard the ecosystem as highlighted by governments and scientists. 
The conventional approaches for water pollution rely on the detection of chemicals in the environment and what impact is obvious on species and populations in the ecosystem. These observations are compared against water quality standards as metrics for pollution. In this context, risk assessment has been merely descriptive and is unable to predict pollution. This weakness is a projection of the methods used, that lack sensitivity and mechanistic insight over the action of pollutants, something which is even more highlighted by environmental institutions. On the other hand, it is not only pollutants per se being present in the environment, but also physical changes and stimuli which contribute. Such is the cases of rise or drop of temperature, global warming or even light pollution, which may exert effects we have not seen yet or fully understood on non-target species. 
Collecting molecular knowledge will bridge this gap in the underlying mechanisms for toxicity and physical queues, and research in molecular ecology and ecotoxicology shifts more to the integration of model systems. As such, focusing on the freshwater ecosystem, my project will assess the changes in the physiology of daphnids, also commonly known as water fleas, upon exposure to a range of pollutants and the combination of physical stressors. The translation of molecular information obtained to novel sensitive metrics for pollution will be the ultimate goal using mesocosms as analogues of realistic conditions.

Some patients can experience cognitive complaints known as Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI). CRCI describes problems with thinking such as attention, memory and concentration experienced before, during or after treatment[1], and is highly associated with depression and anxiety[2]. At a Public Patient Involvement (PPI) panel meeting in 2023, which I co-hosted for the PANO trial (a study at the Mater Hospital examining the effects of an exercise and nutrition prehabilitation program on physical fitness), PPI raised concerns about the reduced cognition, and diminished quality of life (QoL) associated with early medically-induced menopause.

For some premenopausal women, treatment such as surgery and chemotherapy can cause menopause by stopping oestrogen production. Oestrogen is important for cognitive function[3] and this sudden reduction contributes to more severe menopause symptoms[4,5], and cognitive impairment and decline in later life[6,7]. Sleep disturbance is another common problem for women experiencing a medically induced menopause[8], with symptoms such as difficulty falling and staying asleep[9,10]. There is a known association between sleep disturbance and cognitive problems[11]. Indeed, cancer-associated insomnia is linked to poorer QoL[12] and memory problems[13].

Due to their treatment pathway, this group of women may be particularly vulnerable to CRCI and sleep problems, which may interact to negatively affect survivorship by impacting patient QoL and psychological wellbeing. Understanding the nature of self-reported cognitive concern in patients is critical to enable early intervention, as self-reported concern can be a predictor for cognitive impairment or dementia in later life [14].

This proposal  aims to understand the nature of cognitive concern and sleep problems in this cohort through conducting patient interviews, and administer a neuropsychological intervention to reduce these symptoms and improve patient QoL. Our goal is to advance the support available to these women to enable them to live well with and beyond their diagnosis.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive health condition that affects the blood vessels that supply the lungs (1). The condition is associated with a progressive decline in activities of daily living, reduced quality of life (QoL) and poor prognosis, and individuals with PH may experience shortness of breath, tiredness and dizziness (2). Until quite recently, exercise has been contraindicated for PH patients for fear that it may cause harm, but recently these perceptions have changed and there is now evidence that exercise may provide substantial health benefits to this population (3). To date, aerobic exercise training (AET) such as walking and cycling, has been the most commonly used mode of exercise prescribed for PH patients. Resistance exercise is any form of exercise where an individual lifts or pulls against resistance with the goal of improving muscle strength and endurance. Different forms of resistance exercise training (RET) include using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands and body weight. Historically, RET has not been prescribed for PH patients due to concerns regarding its adverse effect on cardiac structure and function. However, there is now an evidence-base to support the use of RET for patients with other chronic respiratory diseases and heart failure (4,5). Prior to prescribing RET for individuals with PH it is important to understand its safety, feasibility and effectiveness. In addition, understanding the effectiveness of the isolated and combined effects of AET and RET on functional capacity and QoL in PH patients would inform exercise prescription guidelines. The purpose of this program of research is to evaluate the isolated and combined effects of AET and RET on functional capacity and QoL in PH patients and to explore putative biological mechanisms related to central and peripheral adaptations.

What if the windows of an office building could power the office within? What if industry could make phone screens and other digital displays that were more environmentally friendly? What if we could do this cheap and quickly? Those are the questions my research is looking at. A conductor is a material in which electricity can flow, most conductors are metals which are opaque, but there are ways to make transparent conductors, these materials could be used to make solar panels that could be placed on windows, to produce touchscreens without having to utilise rare earth materials which are environmentally damaging to mine, such as indium, which while in high demand for the technological sector is mined as a by-product.
These transparent conductive oxides (TCO’s) can be manufactured using a spray system, material is sprayed in a fine mist onto a heated base which “grows” the conductor in very thin layers. This system is inexpensive and can make high quality thin conductor films with ease in comparison to other systems.  We will then analyse the resulting films using x-ray analysis, including spectroscopy and reflectivity. My research will look at which materials perform the best, in ease of manufacturability, in how their conductance relates to their thickness and expense in terms of finance and environmental damage. If my research is successful, we will develop a material which will be, inexpensive, easy to process and provide new environmentally friendly technologies.

Using light to activate toxicity is a powerful approach to creating highly reactive molecules from species that are non-toxic in their ground state, achieving high spatiotemporal control and low off target toxicity. Targetting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) offers substantial benefits where tissue ablation is the aim. Since, without the protection of histone and the repair mechanisms available to nuclear DNA,  mtDNA is more vulnerable to irreversible damage. As mitochondria are the trigger point for apoptosis, they offer a direct, route to rapid but controlled cell death in cancer photoablation.  Keyes et al have demonstrated highly potent phototherapeutics that induce such controlled cell death in cancer cells through photoredox activation of metal complexes specifically targeted to mtDNA of  cancer cells. The approach does not require molecular oxygen and this is critical as many solid tumors and indeed the mitochondria are oxygen deficient. 
However, the drawback to this appraoch is that stimulating metal complexes to induce DNA damage requires blue light which is poorly penetrating through tissue, limiting the application of this approach in real patients.  

The aim of this proposal is to build new nanodelivery systems that faciliate both targetting of photoredox complexes to mitochondria of cancer cells and sensitizes their photoredox activation by generating blue light from tissue-penetrating red light via upconversion (UC), i.e.two photons of low energy produce a single photon of sufficient energy to photoexcite the phototherapeutic.

I will develop and compare performance of two upconversion drug delivery systems; (a) Lanthanide upconverting- nanoparticles and (b) a triplet-triplet anhilation upconversion (TTA-UC) liposomal system, advancing a sysetm I have developed to date. I will optimise the approach that accomplishes both delivery of the phototherapeutic and its stimulation of DNA damage through TTA-UC by red light activated photochemistry, opening new approaches to phototherapy for cancer treatment.

The landscape of European security is shifting dramatically, raising profound implications for Ireland. The illegal and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 has shaken the foundations of European peace and security. This conflict marks a significant turning point in European history, threatening the stability established since the 1975 Helsinki Final Act. It follows Russia's earlier annexation of Crimea in 2014, which intensified regional tensions and underscored the fragility of security arrangements in Europe.
In response to this aggression, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have taken significant actions. Both organisations have condemned Russia's behaviour, called for adherence to international law, and firmly supported Ukraine's right to independence. As a result, the EU is now taking a more active role in defence, NATO is expanding its membership, and their partnership has strengthened.
For Ireland, a country renowned for its commitment to neutrality, these developments raise crucial questions. As Ireland reassesses its traditional stance, it must consider how to support European security while maintaining its neutral position. This research is particularly important for the Irish public, as it explores the delicate balance between contributing to international efforts and upholding sovereignty.
This project aims to provide a law in context analysis of how European security is evolving in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine. By analysing the changing roles of the EU and NATO, this research will offer valuable insights into the new security landscape and discuss how Ireland can navigate these challenges while remaining true to its commitment to neutrality.

PFAS (per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals,” are integrated into everyday activities like getting dressed, showering, or making breakfast. These chemicals can be found in clothing, shampoo, frying pans, and even toilet paper.(3) Alarmingly, it is currently estimated that 97% of people have PFAS in their blood.(4)

PFAS have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and weakened immune systems.(1) The EU has already taken measures to restrict or ban their use under REACH (Regulation for Restriction, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals).(5) However, PFAS persist in the environment due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which resist degradation.(6) Conventional wastewater treatment methods are ineffective at removing these substances, creating an urgent need for novel degradation technologies.

One emerging solution is the use of reactive oxygen species (ROS), highly reactive chemicals derived from molecular oxygen. ROS are currently employed in photodynamic therapy for their ability to kill cancer cells. A similar approach will be applied to mineralise PFAS, but this time the ROS species will degrade the PFAS, thereby removing them from water samples. However, it is crucial to monitor the photodegradation products to ensure they are not equally harmful.

This project explores the use of a porphyrin, a compound resembling chlorophyll, to harness solar energy for PFAS photodegradation. Porphyrins, when exposed to light, can produce ROS, which could break down both long-chain PFAS such as PFOS (perflourooctanesulfonic acid) and short-chain PFAS such as PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid).

Existing PFAS degradation methods, such as electrochemical oxidation and plasma treatment, are energy-intensive and expensive. This research aims to develop a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable method for PFAS photodegradation using solar-driven processes, offering a green, practical solution to solve the crisis of these pollutants in the environment.

DNA is ubiquitous and crucial to all life on earth. It consists mostly of four canonical bases: adenine (A); thymine (T); guanine
(G); and cytosine (C). Recently, it has been discovered that around 2% of cytosine bases are modified. This version of cytosine contains an extra methyl (-CH3) group, denoted as 5-methylcytosine (5mC), which plays an important role in DNA regulation. Presence of this base governs gene expression, making this type of epigenetically modified DNA an attractive target for developing novel cancer therapies.
5mC can be restored to unmodified cytosine by an active ‘demethylation’ process catalysed by ten-eleven-translocation (TET) enzymes, in which 5mC is sequentially oxidised to bases which can be recognised by base-excision repair (BER) enzymes. Dysregulation of TET activity is associated with oncological diseases, hence this process presents an opportunity to engineer novel chemotherapy drugs. Here, I propose the development of a new class of targeted TET-biomimetics, designed to modulate this mode of gene expression.
Where inhibition of DNA-methyltransferases, which install the methyl group on 5mC, is a proven clinical strategy for cancer therapy], simulation of TET activity has been proposed as a promising therapeutic lead but has yet to be realised. This project seeks to develop a novel strategy for epigenetic modulation. We anticipate this new biomimetic hybrid approach can be targeted towards tumour suppressor genes as a proof-of-concept for an innovative advancement in epigenetic therapies.
We propose a library of novel iron complexes featuring azide-bearing ligands that enable the use of 'click’ chemistry – a Nobel Prize-winning concept – to allow targeted TET-style reactivity by conjugation to a nucleic acid specific to a gene tract. This new iron biomimetic hybrid will feature a triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO), which binds to a specific sequence of double- stranded DNA, leveraging expertise in gene-targeting developed in the Kellett group.

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, from smartphones to medical devices, driving a constant demand for more efficient and sustainable materials. However, modern technology's dependence on scarce materials raises concerns about supply security, cost, sustainability, and in some cases, toxicity. This research focuses on exploring alternative, earth-abundant materials that can be layered into thin films, These films could lead to the development of superior, more sustainable devices, ensuring continued innovation without depleting critical resources, something that has not yet been achieved by researchers.

The study investigates two materials - copper and vanadium oxides - which will be fabricated using a home-built system that includes a nebulizer, similar to those used in oxygen masks. Since copper and vanadium typically arrive as powders, they will be dissolved in a liquid so the nebulizer can spray them as a fine mist, much like a perfume bottle. This mist will be directed at a heated glass slide, where the solvent evaporates, leaving a smooth, thin film of the desired material. Once the behaviour of these individual films is well understood, they will be layered to form a nanolaminate. The idea behind nanolamination is to combine two materials, each with good but insufficient properties on their own, to create a new, high-performing material.

This nanolaminate will not only match the performance of scarce materials but will also be more cost-effective, abundant, and non-toxic. The success of this project will lead to important advances in sustainability, ones that are necessary to meet with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while also reducing the price of production due to the availability of these materials.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Ireland based on HSE data. Nearly half of CRC patients develop incurable recurring cancer due to drug resistance mechanisms. My research aims to discover potential drugs that can specifically target proteins involved in the growth and spread of CRC cells.
I will focus on two key proteins, MMP9 (Matrix Metallopeptidase 9) and SLC12A2 (NKCC1 - Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 1), which play critical roles in CRC progression and metastasis. They can be thought of as "switches" that, when dysregulated, lead to uncontrolled cell growth and spread, characteristic of cancer progression. By discovering compounds that can turn off these switches, we can potentially stop the growth of cancer cells.
Targeting both MMP9 and SLC12A2 with a single therapeutic strategy could significantly enhance treatment efficacy by simultaneously disrupting two critical processes in CRC progression. Additionally, this dual-targeting approach may reduce CRC drug resistance.
To identify these molecules, I will use advanced computational methods, a cascade of virtual screens, to search through databases of compounds. Compounds passing a volume search, will map to pharmacophores which allows us to identify promising candidates from billions of potential active compounds. This step will be done separately for each target, MMP9 and SLC12A2.

Once we have a shortlist of candidates, we will use docking to examine how well these molecules can fit into the target proteins and block their activity. The most promising molecules will be used for the next step where ML algorithms will analyse the data to identify molecules that might be able to target both MMP9 and SLC12A2 simultaneously, potentially leading to even more effective treatments.

This research has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of CRC treatment and could lead to the development of new, more effective drugs to improve patients’ outcomes.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition affecting almost 50 million people worldwide(8). Symptoms manifest in the form of seizures, accompanied by disturbance of motor function and loss of consciousness(8). Obtaining an epilepsy diagnosis is a strenuous process. Patients undergo an EEG accompanied by several physical examinations to distinguish between other conditions that may provoke a seizure, including vasovagal syncope(9).

Over 70% of patients experiencing epilepsy-induced seizures could live seizure-free if proper diagnosis and treatment was provided(8). Although there is no current cure for epilepsy, various treatment methods exist to diminish seizure frequency and reduce their onset, the most popular being the prescription of Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)(10). The patient response to these drugs varies, however, and so they may not be as impactful as desired. Thus, personalising AED dosage is a natural solution. One method of accomplishing this is through quantification of known biomarkers linked to the condition in vivo.

A known set of biomarkers exist for focal epilepsy, the most common form of the disease. These include various non-coding RNAs, with their increased concentration in blood plasma signifying seizure onset(11-13). Using these biomarkers, diagnosis of epilepsy syndrome remains a possibility by monitoring their concentration. The portable device would not only aid those currently suffering from this condition but would potentially prevent those who have the disease unknowingly from facing its life-threatening consequences.

NeuroSens will develop a multi-analyte array for the detection and quantification of these specific biomarkers using ECL emission. To maximise the ability of manufacturing at scale in a cost effective manner, electrochemical detection will be used. It will be a revolutionary wire-free multi-electrode configuration. This will be developed in an affordable, accessible, and accurate system, one used as a POC device for quick and easy seizure prediction and prevention by enabling the real time fine tuning of medications.

This study aims to use playfulness (Frissen et al. 2015; Gordon 2008) to both explore interpreters’ trauma management in crisis settings and design trauma-informed training for crisis interpreters, based on playfulness-enhancing exercises (Rubinstein & Lahad 2022), to prevent and tackle vicarious trauma (VT).

Interpreting is inherently playful. Similarly to players experiencing an ‘ego-split’ (Salen & Zimmerman 2003), being simultaneously aware of the playful dimension in which they are immersed but ‘pretending’ not to be, interpreters constantly shift perspectives between themselves and the speakers (Yuan 2022). The study suggests that VT is caused by overidentification with speakers, it undermines this playful ability and, thus interpreters’ professional effectiveness (Lai & Costello 2021). In crisis contexts in particular the risk is latent, as interpreters’ natural tendency towards an empathic identification with vulnerable speakers (Lor 2012: 5; Merlini 2019: 150) is exacerbated by disruptive situations (O’Brien & Federici 2020: 131).

Despite the seriousness of this issue, possibly leading to long-term cognitive, physiological and psychological changes (Lor 2012; Ndongo-Keller 2015), interpreters' VT remains under-researched in crisis settings. Furthermore, trauma-informed practices for interpreters are still in their infancy (Delizée et al. 2024; Muller et al. 2023) and scholars recognise the need for training sessions to both prevent and treat VT (González Campanella 2023).

This study aims to fill this gap by integrating playfulness-enhancing exercises already in use for traumatised patients into a trauma-informed crisis training programme for professional and student interpreters, integrating interpreters’ training needs – that will be investigated through surveys and interviews with professional interpreters –, notions of VT (Delizée et al. 2024) and exercises like Fantastic Reality (FR), a mental space where patients rehabilitate their playfulness by recalling and reshaping past events (Rubinstein & Lahad 2022). This will thus provide interpreters with practical methods to hinder and/or manage VT.

This research project delves into a in-depth examination of two Greek trash TV shows, Erotodikeio and Hriso Koufeto, analysing their portrayals of queer identity, sexuality and power dynamics participating to the construction of citizenship within the Greek socio-sexual discourse.

Scholarly attention has extensively scrutinised reality TV, often interchangeably labelled as "trash TV," engaging scholars with diverse objectives. While initially the scholarly focus sought to address reality TV popularity with audiences, contemporary scholarly output centralises the political implications intrinsic to reality TV. This study aims to build upon precedent research to examine Greek trash television through an interdisciplinary lens.

Erotodikeio (1996-1998) was an unscripted courtroom show wherein participants sought unofficial yet hilarious legal resolution for their romantic and sexual entanglements.
Hriso Koufeto (1995-1998) was a matchmaking show wherein the participants attempted to forge romantic connections and also arrange marriages. The rationale behind this particular choice of case studies is that the two programs exhibit notable similarities in their structural format, notably featuring an authoritative female figure as a hostess. Moreover, they converge upon common thematic intersections, including discussions surrounding loneliness and sexuality.

Additionally, the research addresses the positionality of these shows as they were broadcast in the mid-1990s, an era that coincides with the Greek turn to neoliberalism and neoconservatism. This work will attempt to examine what is the relationship between Greek trash TV and the national socio-sexual discourse in the 1990s, as well as if the poetics of these shows are informed by prevailing narratives.

This research will approach these programs by engaging in a critical coalescence of theories including television theories, queer theories and cultural theories. Using a queer lens to address these topics will generate a contemporary reading of these two cultural artifacts, thus proposing an original framework for analysing trash cultural texts.

Due to growing sustainability challenges, we are witnessing significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse. This has substantial impacts on economic conditions in several industries, and on human health and well-being by reducing access to resources such as food and clean water. Additionally, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse affect several other sustainability challenges such as climate change, causing further decline in the environment's health. A major part of the problem is the lack of accountability by business organisations for their significant impacts on biodiversity. One of the key mechanisms for demonstrating organisational accountability is through public reporting, which allows organisations to demonstrate efforts and actions taken towards biodiversity, improving transparency and accountability. Disclosure of information also provides a better means for understanding and addressing biodiversity loss. However, despite the need for increased accountability, research finds that organisations' engagement with biodiversity is low and the quality and quantity of biodiversity disclosures is limited. While some organisations demonstrate genuine engagement, the majority are found to demonstrate a lack of accountability towards biodiversity. As a result, there is increased pressure on organisations to improve biodiversity reporting and disclosure. 
However, accounting and reporting on biodiversity poses many challenges, and little is known about how organisations manage and incorporate biodiversity into their accounting systems and practices. We know even less about the enablers of improved biodiversity reporting. This research will explore how organisations can better integrate biodiversity into their reporting practice. Additionally, it will analyse the barriers and  the enablers which push organisations towards greater accountability. The study will do this by conducting content analysis and interviews. In doing so the study will shed light on practices and methods that can be utilised by organisations to improve biodiversity and better understand how we can drive organisations towards greater accountability.

Atmospheric fungal spores pose significant threats to both public health and agricultural sectors. A practicable predictive model of atmospheric fungal spore dynamics is an instrumental pillar in the development of evidence-based mitigation strategies for these threats. The absence of a comprehensive fungal spore monitoring and forecasting network in Ireland constitutes a significant limiting factor in the quality of atmospheric fungal spore forecasts that may be produced. Hence, what is herein proposed is the establishment of a first-of-its-kind fungal spore monitoring network in Ireland, followed by the development and dissemination of a predictive model of atmospheric fungal spore dynamics.

To establish this network, this project aims to implement a dual approach by combining traditional Hirst-type volumetric traps with cutting-edge real-time monitoring technologies (Swisens Poleno) to comprehensively quantify species-specific atmospheric fungal spore concentrations throughout Ireland. The data collected will be integrated with meteorological data sets to form the basis of a predictive model designed to forecast spore activity and dispersal patterns.

The predictive model will provide actionable intelligence to the agricultural sector, allowing farmers to take preventative measures against fungal pathogens and mitigate crop losses. In healthcare, the model will enable the anticipation of spore-related respiratory issues, such as asthma exacerbations, thus improving patient outcomes. Additionally, the public will benefit from timely forecasts that may serve to inform sensitive individuals so that they may minimise their exposure to allergenic spores. This project will ultimately establish Ireland’s first advanced fungal spore monitoring network, bringing the country in line with bioaerosol monitoring standards already widely adopted by our European counterparts, and further positioning Ireland at the forefront of bioaerosol research.

Hate speech against migrants/refugees is visible in Dublin, through demonstrations, riots (Pogatchnik 2023) and in recurring threats to refugees’ accommodations (Fanucci 2023). Transphobic speech in Irish media is becoming more common, too (ILGA 2023), and with these developments, LGBTQ+ migrants often feel unwelcome in Ireland, including in queer scenes (Glennon 2021). Furthermore, queer organisations often lack sufficient representation and expertise to support these minorities, despite Ireland being perceived as a ‘haven’ for many queer migrants (Konwar 2023).

Cologne is another metropolis in which queer migrants are also experiencing a turning point: some central queer networks’ funds are being cut (#MehrAlsQueer 2024) while neonazis are more often marching against Pride parades (Kohler 2024). In fact, in the 2024 EU elections, the far-right party (AfD) was the second most-voted party in the country.

This research looks into the social intersection of queerness and migration to document voices of underrepresented minorities and learn from their spatial practices, as a reaction to rising unsafety. I am exploring communities and underground cultures who embody the intersection of queer and trans realities with migration and racialisation – through the comparative study of Cologne and Dublin. Far from focusing on quantitative documentation, this PhD aims to understand qualitatively how space is produced and claimed by queer migrants in a context of the rising far-right.

In order to visualise and represent the spaces, processes and dynamics that will be researched, the written PhD is accompanied by ‘artefacts’ in the form of events and an exhibition that I will curate and design. The exhibition will represent a concluding visualisation and embodiment of the researched spaces, people, practices and events, accompanied by a cultural programme of performances, panel talks and workshops.

This PhD research proposal presents an exploration of AI-powered techniques for detecting media capture and manipulation in a rapidly evolving media landscape which is dominated by new actors, digital institutions, and increasingly sophisticated methods of control. As digital platforms and social media become more vital to communication, traditional media systems are evolving and imposing fresh challenges in ensuring information integrity and fairness. This research seeks to address these challenges by developing AI-driven solutions that enhance media authenticity and combat manipulation.

The project will encompass several key components: A comprehensive literature review on media capture in the modern day, the development and evaluation of novel AI methods tailored to identifying instances of media manipulation, and a new conceptual framework of the media in the current digital age.This framework on media systems is integral to this proposal; it explores the expanded role of information intermediaries—such as social media platforms, content aggregators, and algorithmic gatekeepers—in shaping public discourse, controlling content distribution, and influencing user perception. In this framework, the dual role of AI is critically examined: while AI can be used to detect media capture, it is also increasingly employed as a tool to perpetrate manipulation schemes, ranging from deepfakes to the covert dissemination of biased narratives through algorithmic curation.

The research will also focus on developing a novel set of AI-powered detection methods to identify media capture effectively. These methods apply novel algorithms (deep learning, natural language processing , generative adversarial networks, etc.) to build indicators capable of detecting media manipulation—whether this be through misleading narratives, algorithmic bias, or artificially generated content, or other means of directly observable interference. By providing both technical and conceptual tools, this PhD aims to significantly contribute to the academic literature on news media and inform public policy decisions on media regulations and information integrity.

This research focuses on the enhancing the performance of microLEDs, very small light sources used in display technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) headsets and glasses. MicroLEDs offer the potential for high-resolution AR displays that can seamlessly integrate digital content with the user's physical surroundings. However, when scaled from regular LEDs to microLEDs, there is a reduction in light emission and efficiency. This decline in performance is largely due to defects that can occur during the manufacturing process and is particularly problematic for red LEDs.

This research aims to investigate and characterise these defects to better understand their impact on microLED performance. Using experimental techniques, the materials present in microLED structures will be analysed and quantified. Efforts will be made to correct these defects by chemically treating the samples, followed by coating the structures with a thin film using an advanced deposition technique.

The outcomes of this research are expected to have a transformative impact on the development of high-resolution displays necessary for the future of AR technology. By successfully mitigating the defects present in microLEDs, we will contribute to the creation of brighter, more efficient displays that can enhance the user experience in various applications. As this research is being conducted in collaboration with Meta Reality Labs, the insights gained from our research will not only advance the scientific understanding of microLED materials but also contribute to the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry.

Motor-Imagery Brain-Computer Interfaces (MI-BCIs) translate brain activity from imagined movement into commands of attempted movement, promising advances in motor rehabilitation, including exoskeleton-assisted therapy. In stroke patients, MI-BCI therapy has been observed with encouraging results in neuroplastic and functional improvement changes within the motor cortex, compared to standard occupational therapies. However, the observed therapeutic benefits are not consistent across users, and the mechanisms underlying cortical reorganisation remain poorly understood. Usage of BCI-training therapies that do not account for user fatigue, low concentration levels or acceptability can further hinder the usability of these rehabilitation procedures. Recent research suggests personalised time-matched sensory BCI rehabilitation programs to contribute to user experience, leading to increased motor performance and long-term rehabilitation benefits. In a similar manner, exoskeleton-assisted BCI-therapy has provided users with motor limitations an opportunity for enhanced mobility experiences. This study proposes to investigate methods to enhance the post-stroke BCI-therapy provided by the DCU exoskeleton programme. We propose following post-stroke patients in a structured MI-BCI rehabilitation programme in their home setting and during their participation in the exoskeleton programme. While home-based rehabilitation programs are used to enhance MI skills through grasp training and engagement in personalised cognitive games, the exoskeleton usage may provide users with immediate tangible results. To compare the ensuing changes in neuroplasticity and cortical reorganisation, functional connectivity patterns are computed from EEG signals during different timepoints in therapy. In addition, user experience is monitored to enhance the current MI-BCI training approaches that directly affect the outcome of the therapy.

This research aims to develop an injectable hydrogel that can deliver neuroactive molecules —medications that affect the nervous system—in a controlled, long-term manner. Hydrogels are soft, water-based materials, often used in products like contact lenses, that can be engineered to gradually release therapeutics over time. In this project, we are creating a "double network" hydrogel, combining two types of materials: one that provides strength and durability, and another that can effectively carry and release therapeutics. The goal is to create a system that can be injected directly below the skin, where it will deliver a therapy steadily over time. This has significant potential for treating conditions such as neuromuscular disorders associated with multiple sclerosis and cerebral  palsy, where consistent drug delivery is critical. By developing a material that can be injected and that slowly releases medication, this research could reduce the need for frequent drug doses, offering more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men and the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. As prostate cancer develops, it becomes invaded  by large numbers of nerve fibers, which release chemicals that help the cancer grow and spread to other parts of the body. When the cancer reaches the bones, it can cause severe pain by affecting nerves in those areas [18, 21]. Additionally, chemotherapy, the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer, can damage nerves further, worsening the pain in many patients. In fact, around two-thirds of people with advanced cancer suffer from pain that can be difficult to control with medication, often leading them to stop treatment, which worsens their condition.  

Early studies suggest that injections of a toxin called Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A), which blocks the release of these pain-causing chemicals, may slow the growth of prostate cancer, but we don’t yet fully understand how it works. This study aims to investigate how nerves and cancer cells interact, and how BoNT/A and similar treatments might disrupt this communication. By learning more about how nerves contribute to cancer growth and pain, we hope to find new ways to treat both the cancer and the pain it causes.

Our research will use newly developed models that mimic how nerves and cancer cells behave together, along with new tools called sensors to track how these cells communicate. We will also test how BoNT/A affects cancer growth and pain in animal models. Ultimately, we aim to see if BoNT/A could be a helpful new approach to slow down prostate cancer and provide better pain relief for patients.

Proteins and peptides are natural polymeric molecules made up of long chains of amino acids (glycine, methionine, tyrosine, etc.), and are fundamental to the functioning of every living organism. Recently, novel drug therapies involving the administration of peptides specially constructed to target select diseases have received much attention and commercialisation. Some notable examples include monoclonal antibodies targeting chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers (Adalimumab, guselkumab, erenumab, bevacizumab). The design and manufacture of these drugs relies on the ability to modify peptides at the amino acid level to produce favourable and efficient therapeutic effects. In 2022, the Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to Bertozzi and Sharpless for their advancements in bio-orthogonal click-chemistry, a powerful method that allows site-specific functionalisation of peptides without damage to the surrounding structure. This award highlights the importance of peptide functionalisation in the fields of biochemistry and medicine.

The proposed project aims to develop another selective functionalisation method; selective modification of a peptide at its methionine residues. By way of methionine's oxidisable sulphur atom, useful functional groups could be introduced to the peptide. These include lipophilic aromatic rings to improve solubility and uptake, fluorine atoms for radiolabelling and 19FNMR, and azide units for further click-chemistry modification. Armed with an additional method in the peptide functionalisation toolbox, development of novel biologic therapies for debilitating diseases could further progress towards commercial manufacture, ultimately improving the lives of patients in need.

This thesis investigates the integration of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda internally in NATO and externally through NATO's norm transfer to the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF). The thesis first explores NATO’s motivations for adopting the WPS agenda, rooted in its aim to enhance operational effectiveness and project normative influence. It then investigates how NATO’s gender-sensitive policies have been transferred and institutionalized in Kosovo's security sector, tracing their evolution from the Demobilization, Demilitarization, and Reintegration (DDR) process to the formation of the KSF. The central hypothesis of this thesis is that although NATO promotes gender equality through the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, these norms are not fully embedded in military institutions. Local resistance within both NATO and the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) contributes to this ‘superficial integration’, ultimatelylimiting the complete integration and implementation of WPS norms in practice. By shedding light on NATO's role in post-conflict state-building through a gender lens, this study underscores the complexities of applying international standards in post-conflict countries. It provides insights into both the advancements and limitations of such approaches in the field of security sector reform. Employing a multi-method research methodology, including discourse analysis, content analysis, and process tracing, this study gathers data through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, texts, visual, and audio materials. This multi-method approach highlights significant challenges due to local resistance and the low prioritization of gender initiatives, offering insights into both the advancements and limitations of implementing international norms in local settings.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common condition where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. To treat it, many patients use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves wearing a mask that provides a steady stream of air to keep the airways open. However, a lot of people find it hard to stick to this treatment. My research focuses on understanding the psychological and social factors that affect whether patients accept their OSA diagnosis and how this influences their use of CPAP and overall self-management.

First, we will explore how various psychological factors, such as having other health conditions (comorbidities), a person’s belief in their ability to manage their health (self-efficacy), and their mental flexibility (psychological flexibility), impact diagnosis acceptance. Since there isn’t much data on this for OSA, we will start by doing a systematic review of studies on Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition with similar risk factors and patient demographics.

Next, we’ll apply what we learn from this review by interviewing OSA patients to see if the same or different factors influence their acceptance of the diagnosis.

Finally, we will conduct an ecological momentary assessment, where, over two weeks, we’ll track patients’ CPAP usage and have them complete short daily surveys. These surveys will help us see how the factors we identified affect their use of CPAP.

Ultimately, this research aims to provide valuable insights that can improve patient outcomes by promoting better diagnosis acceptance and adherence to CPAP therapy, leading to enhanced management of OSA.