Brain Development & Repair Group
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT & REPAIR GROUP
University College Cork, Ireland.
At the Brain Development and Repair Group we use a multi-disciplinary approach to discover and characterize the factors and molecular mechanisms that influence the development, degeneration and regeneration of neurons in the nervous system. We are interested in applying this knowledge to find new ways to protect neurons in the developing brain, and to preserve the viability of damaged neurons in the ageing one. We also work with a number of patient and advocacy groups to understand the lifestyle and societal factors that affect the health and wellbeing of people with Parkinson's disease. We are also actively engaged in training the next generation of scientists at undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral levels. The Brain Development and Repair Group is also affiliated with several research centres in UCC including APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork Neuroscience Centre and the Parkinson's Disease Research Cluster (PDRC). Work in the group is generously supported by Science Foundation Ireland, Irish Research Council, Cork Institute of Technology and the European Commission.
Research
Brain development
We study the mechanisms that regulate healthy brain development and how these mechanisms are affected by common complications of pregnancy, including stress, and hypertension. We use this information to understand how this affects the risk for a range of averse neurodevelopmental outcomes including Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD in affected offspring.
Brain repair in Parkinson's
We characterise the mechanisms that regulate the survival and growth of dopaminergic neurons which are progressively lost in Parkinson's disease. We then work to translate this information into new neuroprotective therapies that stop the progressive dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease using viral vector-based and small molecule drug therapies.
Translational research
We work with a number of patient and advocacy groups to understand the lifestyle and societal factors factors that affect the health and well-being of people with Parkinson's disease. To participate in the latest study (UCCPDstudy) surveying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-motor aspects of Parkinson’s disease, please click here.
Current Group members
Prof. Gerard O'Keeffe
Principal Investigator
Prof. Aideen Sullivan
Principal Investigator
Dr. Louise Collins
Principal Investigator
Dr. Noelia Morales-Prieto
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Research Fellow
Dr. Susan Goulding
Postdoctoral research fellow
Jayanth Anantha
PhD student
Aaron Barron
PhD student
Dr. Mick Carter
MD student
Sophie Casey
PhD student
Martina Mazzocchi
PhD student
Erin McCarthy
PhD student
Alex Morris
PhD student
Adam O'Mahony
PhD student
JOIN US
Postgraduate students
We welcome enquires from committed and enthusiastic graduate students wishing to join the lab. If you are interesting in discussing opportunities for an MSc or PhD, it is advisable to get in touch well in advance and we can discuss this with you. We also routinely host a number of students from taught MSc programmes in UCC for research placements. In the first instance, please email your CV and the type of work you are interested in to g.okeeffe@ucc.ie.
Post-doctoral researchers
We are always keen to hear from post-doctoral researchers who are interested in joining in the lab. If we do have funded positions available these will be advertised here and on the institutional vacancies page and through the major web lists. If you have ideas for collaborations on existing work or would like to discuss your own interests then there are a range of postdoctoral fellowships and other funding schemes available which we will be happy to discuss this you in the first instance by email to g.okeeffe@ucc.ie.
Erasmus students and summer placements
From time to time we also have space for visiting students. Please contact us directly at g.okeeffe@ucc.ie.
Further details on Erasmus placements can be found here.
Get in Touch
Address:
Floor 2, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork T12 XF62, Ireland.
Email: