Research Projects
Current Projects
DS Biome
DS Biome is a citizen science research initiative established in 2021 to investigate the microbiota of individuals with Down syndrome. Funded by the Lejeune Foundation, the study, titled DS Biome: Down Syndrome Gut Microbiome Sibling Study, is led by Professor Paul Cotter and Professor Fergus Shanahan. The research focuses on exploring the gut microbiome in relation to digestive sensitivities, bowel disorders, and age-related conditions such as dementia in individuals with Down syndrome.
MASTER: Microbiome Applications for Sustainable food systems through Technologies and EnteRprise
The MASTER project aims to use high throughput sequencing to map microbiomes across a range of food and non-food environments. The project will improve the quantity, quality and safety of food, by developing microbiome-based products, services and processes. Read more about MASTER.
MiMIC: Missing Microbes in Infants born by C-section
The MiMIC study aims to identify the gut bacteria that are missing or depleted in infants born by Caesarean section or who have been exposed to antibiotics, with the aim of developing microbiome-based solutions to benefit infant health and development. Read more about the MiMIC Study.
Irish Coronavirus Sequencing Consortium
The Irish Coronavirus Sequencing Consortium is a collaborative effort between Teagasc and a number of other research institutions in Ireland to sequence the genetic information of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This will allow us to track the spread of the virus and any changes in its genetic sequence which may affect the disease or treatment.
IDEA: Implementation and development of economic, viable algae based value chains
The IDEA project (Implementation and development of economic viable algae based value chains) aims to develop economically viable value chains based on micro-algae in North Western Europe. Read more about IDEA.
Academic Partnerships
In addition to core activities of Food Biosciences, it is also an academic partner in large national programmes such as APC Microbiome Ireland, VistaMilk and Food for Health Ireland.
