contents · 2019-05-03 · contents contents mission statement 1 department location and ......
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CONTENTS
Contents
Mission Statement 1
Department Location and Contact Details 2
Department Staff Details November 2018/19 3
Recent Graduates 7
Department Research Interests 9
Department Academic Staff Profiles 15
Facilities & Support Available to Postgraduate Students 25
Postgraduate Skills Development 26
Online Courses 28
Responsibilities of The Student 29
Responsibilities of The Supervisor 31
Responsibilities of The Academic Unit 33
Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience Graduate Studies Committee 34
Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience PhD, MD and MSc Progress Reviews 35
Standards of Conduct, Duty of Respect & Right to Dignity 36
How to Resolve Difficulties as a Postgraduate Research Student 39
Crisis, Mental Health & Stress Management Supports 40
Useful Links 42
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MISSION STATEMENT FOR RESEARCH IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY AND NEUROSCIENCE
To develop an internationally recognized research unit in the neurosciences
and to advance knowledge, and to educate both students and society of the
mechanisms and potential treatments for brain disorders
MISSION STATEMENT
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DEPARTMENT LOCATION AND CONTACT DETAILS
The department of Anatomy & Neuroscience is located in the Western Gate building on the Western
Road, and in the Biosciences Institute at Gaol Cross.
CONTACT DETAILS
Department Of Anatomy and Neuroscience Room 2.33, 2nd Floor, Western Gate Building University College Cork.
Telephone (021) 420-5497 / 420-5461 Fax (021) 427-3518 Email [email protected] Web Page http://www.ucc.ie/en/anatomy/
Office hours: 9.15 - 16:00 Monday to Friday Office remains open during lunch time.
Dr. Olivia O’Leary, Chair, Graduate Studies Committee,
Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience
Ms. Miriam Dorgan,
Senior Executive Assistant Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience
John F. Cryan, Professor & Chair, Dept. of Anatomy & Neuroscience
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Principal Investigators/Lecturers
Professor John Cryan Ext 5426/74 [email protected]
Professor Aideen Sullivan Ext 5427 [email protected]
Dr. Yvonne Nolan Ext 5476 [email protected]
Dr. Gerard O’Keeffe Ext 5570 [email protected]
Dr. Olivia O’Leary Ext 5480 [email protected]
Dr. Siobhain O’Mahony Ext 5479 [email protected]
Dr. Kathy Quane Ext 5428 [email protected]
Dr. Harriët Schellekens Ext 5429 [email protected]
Dr. André Toulouse Ext 5477 [email protected]
Dr. Andrea Factor Ext 5864 [email protected]
Dr. Mutahira Lone Ext 5481 [email protected]
Dr. Jane English Ext 5481 [email protected]
Dr. Rabia Malik Ext 5864 [email protected] Dr Cian McCafferty Ext 5497 [email protected] Dr Brian Carey (Radiology) Ext 5497 [email protected]
Senior Medical Demonstrators
Dr. Muhammad Asim Javaid Ext 5412 [email protected]
Dr. Ahmad Hassan Sheikh Ext 5412 [email protected]
Ms Niamh Gorman Ext 5412 [email protected]
Ms Audrey Dempsey Ext 5412 [email protected]
Mr Eoin O’Sullivan Ext 5412 [email protected]
DEPARTMENT STAFF DETAILS 2018/19
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Administration
Ms. Miriam Dorgan Ext 5497 [email protected]
Ms. Mary Moynihan Ext 5874 [email protected]
Chief Technical Officer
Dr. Sue Grenham Ext 5461 [email protected]
Senior Technical Officers
Mr. Michael Cronin Ext 5712 [email protected]
Ms. Suzanne Crotty Ext 1350 [email protected]
Ms. Tara Foley Ext 5494/1309 [email protected]
Dr.Anna Golubeva [email protected]
Dr. Gerry Moloney Ext 5712 [email protected]
Ms. Bereniece Riedewald Ext 1304 [email protected]
Technical Officers
Ms. Patricia Flynn Ext 5712 [email protected]
Ms. Carrie O’Flynn Ext 5461 [email protected]
Mr. Wayne Sheehan Ext 5461 [email protected]
Technical Operatives
Ms. Deirdre Kelleher Ext 5461 [email protected]
DEPARTMENT STAFF DETAILS
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Research Assistants/ Research Support Officers & Lab Managers
Mr.Patrick Fitzgerald Research Support Officer J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Dr.Kieran Rea Laboratory Manager J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Caitriona Long-Smith Human Studies Co-Ordinator J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
David Campos Marin Research Assistant J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Olivia Artaiz Research Assistant J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Emily Teichman Research Assistant J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Loreto O. Ramirez Research Assistant J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Alicia Molinero Perez Research Assistant J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Postdoctoral Researchers Supervisor(s)
Dr. Anna Golubeva J.F.Cryan [email protected] APC
Christine Fulling J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Marcus Boehme J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Kiran Sandhu J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Ana Paula Ventura da Silva J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Eoin Sherwin J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Ruth Concannon G.O'Keeffe [email protected] A&N
Martin Codagnone O.O'Leary/J.F.Cryan [email protected] APC
Erin Harris O.O'Leary [email protected] A&N
Sarah Nicolas Y.Nolan/J.F.Cryan [email protected] A&N,APC
Jason Martin J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan/G.Clarke [email protected] A&N/APC/PSYCH
Kirsten Berding J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Enrique Morillas J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Valentina Caputi J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
James Keane S.O'Mahony/J.F.Cryan [email protected] A&N/APC
Caitlin cowan J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Minal Jaggar J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected] APC
Nirit Kara O.O'Leary/J.F.Cryan [email protected] APC
Stefanie Grabrucker Y.Nolan/C.O'Neill [email protected] CNSC/A&N
PhD Students
Amnah AL-Shangiti A.Sullivan/G.O'Keeffe [email protected]
Ken Howick H.Schellekens/B.Griffin [email protected]
Dalia Kandil H.Schellekens/J.Cryan [email protected]
Rory O’Connor J.F.Cryan/H.Schellekens [email protected]
Veronica Peterson J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Marcel van de Wouw J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Shauna Wallace-Fitzsimons H.Schellekens/J.F.Cryan [email protected]
Muhammad Asim Javaid, A.Toulouse/H.Schellekens [email protected]
PhD Students ctn.
DEPARTMENT STAFF DETAILS 2018/19
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Sofia Cussotto J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Karen O’Connor J.F.Cryan/K.O'Halloran [email protected]
Serena Boscaini J.F.Cryan/K.Nilaweera [email protected]
Jayanth Anantha G.O'Keeffe/A.Sullivan [email protected]
Simon Spichak J.F.Cryan [email protected]
Martina Mazzocchi G.O'Keeffe/A.Sullivan [email protected]
Erin McCarthy O'Keeffe/A.Sullivan [email protected]
Thomaz bastiaanssen J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Katie Guzzetta J.F.Cryan/O.O'Leary [email protected]
Lauren Pawley J.English/A.Khashan [email protected]
Nanthaniel Ritz J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan [email protected]
Daragh O'Boyle J.English/D.Murray [email protected]
Joanna Pereira J.F.Cryan [email protected]
MSc students:
Adam O'Mahony G.O'Keeffe/A.Sullivan [email protected]
Kelsey Neal G.O'Keeffe/A.Sullivan [email protected]
Gareth Lomansey G.O'Keeffe/A.Sullivan [email protected]
Sarah Shanahan A.Sullivan/G.O'Keeffe [email protected]
Andrew McGovern Y.Nolan/O.O'Leary [email protected]
Kevin Cusack Y.Nolan/J.English [email protected]
Eva McMullan A.Setti/J.Chan/Y.Nolan [email protected]
James Collins S;O'Mahony/H.Schellekens [email protected]
Patricia Flynn A.Toulouse/C.Hand [email protected]
Carrie O'Flynn A.Toulouse (Advisor S.Grenham) [email protected]
Affiliated Postgraduate Students
Rachel Furlong C.O'Neill/A.Sullivan PhD Student [email protected]
Sarah O'Donovan C.O'Neill/A.M.Sullivan/D.Clarke PhD Student [email protected]
Gillian Maher K.Nilaweera/Kearney/G.O'Keeffe PhD Student [email protected]
Rebecca Anderson K.McDermott/G.O'Keeffe PhD Student [email protected]
Sophie Casey D.Murray/G.O'Keeffe/G.Boylan PhD Student [email protected]
Susan Goulding L.Collins/G.O'Keeffe PhD Student [email protected]
Francisco Donoso J.F.Cryan/T.Dinan/G.Clarke PhD Student [email protected]
Jacinta Walsh N.Hyland/J.F.Cryan/ PhD Student [email protected]
Chiara Minuto T.Dinan/J.F.Cryan/ PhD Student [email protected]
DEPARTMENT STAFF DETAILS
10
RECENT GRADUATES
2018 Supervisor(s)
James O'Leary PhD Y. Nolan/J.F. Cryan/O. O'Leary
Ciaran O'Leime PhD Y. Nolan/J.F. Cryan/
Bruuno Rocha-Levone PhD O. O'Leary/J.F. Cryan/
Lívia Hecke Morais PhD J.F. Cryan/T. Dinan
Katie Togher PhD A. Khashan/G. Clarke/G. O’Keeffe/L. Kenny
2017
Joy Balta PhD S. O'Mahony/J.F. Cryan
Erin Dolan PhD A.M Sullivan/Y. Nolan
Melissa Grant Hanni MSc A. Toulouse/A.M. Sullivan
Alan Hoban PhD G. Clarke/J.F. Cryan
Mutahira Lone PhD A. Toulouse/E. Downer/J.F. Cryan/J. McKenna
David O'Driscoll MSc L. Kenny/G. O’Keeffe/G. Boylan Obs & Gynae
Clara Seira Oriach MSc J.F. Cryan/T. Dinan/C. Stanton
Jason Radford MSc G. O'Keeffe
Dr Olivia O’Leary , Dr Brunno Rocha Levone and Professor John F. Cryan
Dr Ger Clarke , Dr Katie Togher and Professor John F. Cryan
Professor John F. Cryan, Dr James O'Leary, Dr Ciaran O'Leime, and Dr Yvonne Nolan
Dr. Eric J. Downer TCD, Professor John F. Cryan, Dr Mutahira Lone and Dr. André Toulouse
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RECENT GRADUATES
2016
Amgad Ashour MD S.O' Mahony/C. O'Tuathaigh
Anna Connelly MSc H. Schellekens/J.F. Cryan/
Ahmed Sheikh MD G. O'Keeffe
Surabhi Theratile MSc H. Schellekens/J.F. Cryan
2015
Sean Crampton PhD G. O’Keeffe/
Tadhg Crowley MSc O. O'Leary/E. Downer
Elaine O'Loughlin PhD K. McDermott
Matteo Pusceddu PhD J.F. Cryan/T. Dinan
Megan Straley PhD G. O’Keeffe/
Wesley van Oeffelen PhD J.F. Cryan/T. Dinan
2014
Valeria Felice PhD S. O'Mahony/J.F. Cryan
Bruno Godhino PhD J.F. Cryan/C. O'Driscoll,
Shane Hegarty PhD A.M. Sullivan/G. O’Keeffe/
Paul Kennedy PhD J.F. Cryan/T. Dinan/G. Clarke
Kevin Lomasney PhD N. Hyland/J.F. Cryan/
Gerry Moloney PhD K. Nally/J.F. Cryan/
Rachel Moloney PhD J.F. Cryan/T. Dinan
Ebere S Ogbonnaya MD J.F. Cryan/O. O'Leary
Sinead Ryan PhD Y. Nolan
2013 Supervisor(s)
Louise Collins PhD Y. Nolan/A. Toulouse
Kieran Davey PhD J.F. Cryan/S. O'Mahony/T. Dinan
Daniela Felice PhD O. O'Leary/J.F. Cryan
Aisling Gavin PhD A.M. Sullivan/G. O'Keeffe
Konstantin Grygoryev PhD K. McDermott
Laura McKelvey PhD G. O'Keeffe
Aoife Nolan PhD G. O'Keeffe
2012
Caroline Browne PhD J.F. Cryan
Grace Collins PhD A.M. Sullivan/A. Toulouse
Holly Green PhD Y. Nolan
Richard O'Connor PhD J.F. Cryan
Aoife O'Mahony PhD J.F. Cryan/C. O'Driscoll, Pharmacy
Harriet Schellekens PhD J.F. Cryan/T. Dinan
Tara Foley MSc D. Yilmazer-Hanke
Sarah-Louise Long MSc G. O’Keeffe
Ian O’Brien MSc A. Toulouse/Y. Nolan
Soraya Pasalar MSc D. Yilmazer-Hanke
Ricardo Pizzo MSc J.F. Cryan
Niall Savage MSc D. Yilmazer-Hanke
2011
Lorna Farrelly PhD D. Yilmazer-Hanke/A. Toulouse
Beate Finger PhD J.F. Cryan/T. Dinan
Ayman Khalil MSc D. Yilmazer-Hanke
Emmet Power MSc K. McDermott
Eimear Treacy MSc Y. Nolan/G. O’Keeffe
2010
Aoife Keohane PhD Y. Nolan/A.M. Sullivan
Conor O’Leary PhD K. McDermott
Sean Crampton MSc G. O’Keeffe/A.M. Sullivan
2009
Louise Collins MSc K. Dev
Barbara Farrell BSc K. McDermott
2008
Caitriona Long PhD Y. Nolan/A.M. Sullivan
Orla O'Donoghue PhD J.P. Fraher
Edel Mc Guane MSc Y. Nolan/J.F. Cryan
Owen O'Connor MD P. Dockery
2007
Robert Barrett PhD A.M Sullivan/K.V. McDermott
Sinead Gibney PhD K. McDermott
James O'Neill Cahill MD J.P. Fraher
Daniel Shanley PhD A.M. Sullivan
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DEPARTMENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
13
NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH THEMATIC PROGRAMME
The research programme consists of coherently linked projects in the fields of development,
degeneration and regeneration. It ranges from fundamental studies to the development of strategies for
neuroprotection, neuroregeneration and restoration of function of damaged tissue in
neuroinflammatory disorders.
Most of the experimental programme is multidisciplinary, within and outside the group. The
experimental programme encompasses genetic, molecular, cellular, tissue, system and behavioral
levels.
The range of techniques and expertise available is broad and is particularly strong in relation to post-
genomic and cellular studies, whereby molecular events are analysed and are located with high
precision in cells and tissues, in order to understand the complex interplay of events.
Neural circuitry underlying stress-related disorders
Neurogastroenterology
Developmental Neuroscience and Regeneration
Neurodegeneration
Neuroprotection and Therapeutics
Neuroinflammation
Neuroproteomics and Molecular Psychiatry
All of these areas are being energetically developed over the forthcoming 5 years, specifically as
defined in the following pages.
DEPARTMENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
14
NEURAL CIRCUITRY UNDERLYING STRESS-RELATED DISORDERS Researchers: John Cryan, Olivia O’Leary, Siobhain O’Mahony, Yvonne Nolan.
Neurobiological basis of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety and
drug dependence.
Understanding the interaction between brain and gut and how it applies to stress and immune-
related disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, obesity and sepsis.
The impact of early life stress on the developing gastrointestinal microbiota
Applying novel approaches to facilitate drug/siRNA delivery to the brain in vivo.
NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY Researchers: John Cryan, Siobhain O’Mahony, Olivia O’Leary, Harriët Schellekens .
Understanding the interaction between brain and gut and how it applies to stress and immune-
related disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, visceral pain, obesity and sepsis.
Investigation of dysfunctional communication within the brain gut axis in the emergence of function-
al bowel disorders
Examination of GPCRs in the development of visceral hypersensitivity particularly within the lumbar-
sacral spinal cord
The role of the gut bacteria in anti-psychotic associated obesity.
DEPARTMENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
15
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE AND REGENERATION Researchers: Gerard O’Keeffe, Yvonne Nolan, Aideen Sullivan, Olivia O’Leary, André Toulouse.
Investigation of glial-neuronal interactions in the developing nervous system.
Elucidation of spinal cord radial glial cell development and determination of the lineage relation-
ships among different types of neuroepithelial cells in the spinal cord.
Gene expression profiling in neuroepithelial stem and progenitor cells during development and
in the adult CNS to elucidate mechanisms underlying fate decisions, differentiaton and pheno-
typic diversity.
Spatial and temporal patterns of oligodendrogliogenesis and myelination in vivo.
DEPARTMENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
“Developmental windows” – studying the molecular architecture of critical periods of develop-
ment affecting the formation of the nervous system.
Transcription factor networks controlling axonal growth.
Examination of the development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, including gene expression
profiling using microarray technology and studies on phenotypic changes which occur during
specification, maturation and differentiation of these neurons.
Investigation of the effect of inflammation on neurogenesis in the embryonic and adult hippo-
campus.
Elucidation of the migration patterns of newly generated astrocytes and oligodendrocytes
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NEURODEGENERATION Researchers: Aideen Sullivan, Yvonne Nolan, André Toulouse, Gerard O’Keeffe.
Astroglial heterogeneity and role of astroglial in neuron's degeneration.
Development of in vivo and in vitro models of cyclopamine-mediated models of oligodendrocyte
depletion and demyelination.
Study of mechanisms of cytotoxicity in spinocerebellar ataxias and Huntington’s Disease.
Mechanisms of neuronal cell death in Parkinson’s Disease.
Role of activated microglia and pro-inflammatory cytokines in degeneration of midbrain dopa-
minergic neurons pertinent to Parkinson’s disease.
Identification of inflammation-induced intracellular signaling cascades mediating the death or
survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and hippocampal precursor cells.
Reorganization of dynastic circuitries and selective loss of neurons in the amygdala in human
temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and experimental epilepsy.
NEUROPROTECTION AND THERAPEUTICS Researchers: Aideen Sullivan, Yvonne Nolan, André Toulouse, Gerard O’Keeffe.
Neuroprotective and immunomodulatory therapies for Parkinson’s disease
Genetic manipulation of embryonic stem cells for Parkinson’s disease.
DEPARTMENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
17
NEUROINFLAMMATION Researchers: Yvonne Nolan, Siobhain O’ Mahony, John Cryan, Gerard O’Keeffe.
Deciphering the role of inflammation in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons pertinent
to Parkinson’s Disease
Regulation of dopaminergic neural stem cell fate
Imparment of embryonic and adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Viceral Hypersensitivity associated with post infectious irritable bowel syndrome
Inflammation as a “normal” neurodevelopment process
Consequences of maternal immune activation on foetal brain development.
Impact of inflammation on cognitive deficits associated with neurodegenerative and psychi-
atric disorders.
NEUROPROTEOMICS AND MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY Researchers: Jane English, John Cryan , Olivia O’Leary
DEPARTMENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
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DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC STAFF PROFILES
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John F. Cryan is Professor & Chair, Dept. of
Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork
and serves on the University’s Governing Body. He
is also a Principal Investigator in the APC
Microbiome Institute. He received a B.Sc. (Hons)
and PhD from the National University of Ireland,
Galway, Ireland. He was a visiting fellow at the
Dept Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia,
which was followed by postdoctoral fellowships at
the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
and The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla,
California. He spent four years at the Novartis
Institutes for BioMedical Research in Basel
Switzerland, as a LabHead, Behavioural
Pharmacology prior to joining UCC in 2005.
Prof. Cryan's current research is focused on
understanding the interaction between brain, gut &
microbiome and how it applies to stress, psychiatric
and immune-related disorders at key time-windows
across the lifespan.
Prof. Cryan has published over 440 peer-reviewed
articles and book chapters and has a H-index of 91
(Google Scholar). He is a Senior Editor of
Neuropharmacology and of Nutritional
Neuroscience. He is on the editorial board of a
further 15 journals. He has edited three books and
is co-author of the bestselling “The Psychobiotic
Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of
the Gut-Brain Connection” (National Geographic
Press, 2017). He has received numerous awards
including UCC Researcher of the Year in 2012, the
University of Utrecht Award for Excellence in
Pharmaceutical Research in 2013, UCC Research
Communicator of the Year 2017, and being named
on the Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher
list in 2014 and Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited
Researcher list in 2017 and 2018. He was elected
a Member of the Royal Irish Academy in 2017 and
serves on UCC’s Governing Body. He also received
a Research Mentor Award from the American
Gastroenterology Association and the Tom Connor
Distinguished Scientist Award from Neuroscience
Ireland in 2017 and was awarded an honorary
degree from the University of Antwerp, Belgium in
2018. He was a TEDMED speaker in Washington
in 2014 and is currently President of the
European Behavioural Pharmacology Society.
Research Interests
Prof. Cryan's current research interests include the
neurobiological basis of stress-related
neuropsychiatric disorders including depression,
anxiety and drug dependence. Moreover, his group
is also focused on understanding the interaction
between brain, gut & microbiome and how it
applies to stress and immune-related disorders,
including irritable bowel syndrome and obesity
and neurodevelopmental disorders such as
autism. He is also interested in applying novel
approaches to facilitate drug/siRNA delivery to the
brain in vivo.
Prof. Cryan's research group consists of 12
Postdoctoral Fellows, 14 PhD students, 2 MD
students, 2 MSc Students, 3 research scientists
and various visiting students from Ireland, Spain,
The Netherlands, USA & Canada. It is funded by
Science Foundation Ireland, the Health Research
Board, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Research
Council. Moreover, Prof. Cryan receives funding as
a PI on the two different EU Framework 7
Programme grants.
http://publish.ucc.ie/researchprofiles/C003/jcryan
John F. Cryan
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Professor Aideen Sullivan leads an active research
group, focused on novel approaches to the
treatment of Parkinson's disease. Her particular
interest is the development of neuroprotective
therapies, which have the potential to slow or
reverse the progression of this debilitating disease.
Aideen Sullivan graduated from University College
Dublin in 1992 with a BSc (First Class Honours) in
Pharmacology. She obtained a PhD in
Neuropharmacology from the University of
Cambridge, UK, in 1995. She worked in Imperial
College London School of Medicine as a post-
doctoral researcher from 1995-1998, on a project
funded by the Parkinson's Disease Society.
In 1998, she was appointed as Lecturer in the
Department of Anatomy at UCC; she was promoted
to Senior Lecturer in 2006 and to Professor (Scale
2) in 2014.
Upon her appointment to UCC, Aideen was actively
involved in establishing the BSc in Neuroscience,
the first Neuroscience degree in Ireland, and
she has co-ordinated and taught this degree since
1998. In 2017, she led the development of a new
cross-College BSc degree programme in Medical
and Health Sciences (CK707), which will have its
first student intake in 2018.
In 2006, Aideen was awarded a Postgraduate
Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher
Education from UCC. She practices research-led
teaching and encourages capable students to
pursue research careers. She provides mentoring to
undergraduate and postgraduate students and to
colleagues. In 2010, she attained a FETAC
certificate (awarded Distinction) in Peer-Mentoring.
She has been an active participant in UCC's
"Through the Glass Ceiling" Programme for Female
Academics and Researchers (2011-13). In 2015,
she was awarded a scholarship to participate in the
Leadership Foundation's Aurora programme for
women in Higher Education. She is a member of
Aideen Sullivan
the Athena SWAN steering group in the College of
Medicine and Health, UCC.
Aideen is active in promoting Neuroscience and
stem cell research in Ireland. She visits
Parkinson’s support groups throughout Ireland,
speaking to patients and their carers, clinicians
and nurses, about recent advances in the research
field. She has organised several conferences in the
areas of Parkinson’s disease, stem cells and
Neuroscience research, including the highly
successful BRAINTALK Parkinson’s Community
Meeting and Exhibition in 2015 (https://
www.ucc.ie/en/braintalk/). She undertakes visits
to primary and secondary schools, to promote
understanding and awareness of science and
medicine. She has delivered talks and organised
the Neuroscience information stand at each of
UCC's Open Days for Schools since 1998.
Professor Sullivan is Editor-in-Chief of Neuronal
Signaling, an Open Access peer-reviewed journal
published by the Biochemical Socierty through
Portland Press (http://www.neuronalsignaling.org).
She is a member of Neuroscience Ireland, FENS
(Federation of European Neurosciences), NECTAR
(Network of European CNS Transplantation and
Restoration), the Anatomical Society of Great
Britain and Ireland, and the Irish Network of
Neural Stem Cell Investigators.
http://publish.ucc.ie/profiles/C003/asullivan
21
Yvonne Nolan is a Senior Lecturer, Director of the
BSc in Neuroscience in UCC and a Science
Foundation Ireland Investigator. She is a Faculty
Member of the APC Microbiome Institute and is
currently UCC’s Research Supervisor of the
Year. She leads a research group of postdocs and
PhD students investigating the impact of
inflammation on hippocampal function.
Yvonne graduated from NUI, Galway with a BSc
(Hons) in Biochemistry (1996), and a PhD in
Neuropharmacology (1999). She was a visiting
fellow at McGill University Montreal, Canada
(1998) and held postdoctoral positions in Trinity
College, Dublin (1999 – 2003). In 2003 she was
appointed as Lecturer in the Department of
Anatomy and Neuroscience, UCC and in 2011
she was promoted to Senior Lecturer.
Research Interests
Research in Dr. Nolan's laboratory focuses on the
effects of inflammation, exercise, stress and
diet on hippocampal plasticity and neurogenesis
(the birth of new neurons) and on associated
learning and memory throughout the
lifespan. She also investigates the impact of these
lifestyle factors in models of Parkinson’s
disease. She directs an active research team of 1
postdoctoral researcher, 4 PhD students and an
MSc student (Alumni: 3 postdoctoral researchers,
5 PhD students, 5 research associates, 4 MSc
students and numerous undergraduate
students). She was awarded UCC’s Research
Supervisor of the Year Award, 2016. She has a
number of collaborations with academic and
industrial partners and her team have had
recognition for research in the form of prizes,
image exhibition and media coverage. She has
certification in Research Team Leadership from
the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education.
Her H-index is 24 (ISI Web of ScienceTM) and her
work has been cited >1800 times. Notably, one
of her articles received enough citations as of
January/February 2017 to place her in the top 1%
of her academic field based on a highly cited
Yvonne Nolan
threshold for the field and publication year (Data from
Essential Science Indicators℠). She has secured
>€2.5M in research funding as Lead Investigator. Her
research is currently funded by Science Foundation
Ireland, Marigot Ireland Ltd, Molecular Medicine
Ireland, and previously by the Irish Research Council
for Science Engineering and Technology, Health
Research Board and Vasogen Inc., Canada.
Yvonne is Director of the BSc in Neuroscience in
UCC and fourth year coordinator. Since her
appointment in 2003, she has taught Anatomy and
Neuroscience to undergraduate students in
Occupational, Speech and Language Therapy,
Neuroscience, Medical, Dental, Pharmacy
programmes, and to postgraduate students taking
Osteoarchaeology and Audiology programmes. In
2006 she was awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in
Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (UCC),
and in 2008 she received a National Academy
award for the Integration of Research and Teaching
and Learning. She provides both mentoring to
undergraduate and postgraduate students and has a
particular interest in mentoring female academics
and researchers under the UCC Mentoring Scheme.
Yvonne is active in public engagement and in
promoting Neuroscience. She has organised
conferences in the Neuroscience field including a
symposium on the "Hippocampus in Health and
Disease" in 2014 with guest speaker Nobel Laureate
John O'Keefe. She has led a series of school visits,
parent and teacher talks on brain health for children
for Brain Awareness week and delivers Neuroscience
information at Science week and at UCC's Open
Days for Schools.
http://publish.ucc.ie/profiles/C003/ynolan
22
Gerard O'Keeffe graduated with a BSc degree (1st
Hons) in Neuroscience from University College
Cork (UCC) in 2000. Subsequently he undertook
a PhD in the Department of Anatomy in UCC in
Developmental Neurobiology. During his PhD, Dr.
O'Keeffe spent 4 months in the Karolinska
Institute in Stockholm, Sweden on an Enterprise
Ireland-funded International Collaboration grant
developing his research.
In 2004, after graduating from his PhD, Dr.
O'Keeffe moved to Cardiff University where he
worked in the laboratories of Prof. Alun Davies
FRS. Here he expanded his research interest in
neural development, by looking at the roles of
members of the TNF superfamily of receptors, and
the molecular mechanisms mediating their effects
on neuronal survival and growth in the developing
CNS and PNS on a project funded by the
Wellcome Trust. This work was published in two
studies in Nature Neuroscience.
In 2008, he was awarded a Leverhulme Trust
Research Fellowship, and returned to UCC in
September 2008 when he was appointed as
Lecturer and Principal Investigator in the
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience to
establish an independent laboratory focused in
understanding the molecular mechanisms
regulating neurodevelopment and
neurodegeneration throughout the life-span. This
recent has expanded in recent years to include the
placenta, which is a critical determinant of
healthy brain development.
His research laboratory is based in the
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience in the
state-of-the-art Biosciences Institute in UCC. As
of 2013 Gerard was appointed as a
faculty member of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic
Centre (APC; www.ucc.ie/research/apc/content/
and the Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal
Translational Research (INFANT;
www.infantcentre.ie) in UCC where he has
added a translational work to his research
program. Dr. O’Keeffe’s team is now located
in the Biosciences Institute and the
Translational Neuroscience hub in UCC.
www.okeeffelab.com.
http://publish.ucc.ie/profiles/C003/gokeeffe
Gerard O'Keeffe
23
Dr. Olivia O'Leary is a lecturer in the Department
of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College
Cork. Olivia graduated with a BSc in
Biotechnology, NUI, Galway, followed by an MSc
in Neuropharmacology at the same
institution. She was a visiting scholar for over
three years at the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, USA, where she conducted her PhD
research in behavioural neuropharmacology. This
was followed by postdoctoral research at the
Neuroscience Centre at the University of Helsinki
where her research was focused on the role of
neuronal plasticity in pathophysiology and
treatment of psychiatric disorders. In 2008,
Olivia was awarded a prestigious Career
Development Award from the Health Research
Board to conduct her research at the School of
Pharmacy, University College Cork, where she
was appointed as lecturer in 2011. Olivia then
joined the Department of Anatomy and
Neuroscience as a lecturer in 2012.
Research Interests
Olivia's main research interest is in the
neurobiology and treatment of stress-related
psychiatric disorders with a particular focus on
depression. Her research has been published in
Olivia O'Leary
high-impact journals including PNAS and
Science. In addition, Olivia has been the recipient
of several awards from international professional
societies including The Rafaelsen Young
Investigator Award from the International College
of Neuropsychopharmacology (2011) and the
Fellowship Award from the European College of
Neuropsychopharmacology (2010), as well the
career development award from the Health
Research Board Ireland (2008-2011). Most
recently, Olivia was honoured with the 2015 most
outstanding Junior Faculty Award from the
International Behavioural and Neural Genetics
Society (IBANGS). In addition to her teaching and
research activities, Olivia is also an expert
reviewer for >59 international journals, is on the
Editorial Board for Neuropharmacology and Acta
Neuropsychiatrica, acts as an external examiner
for PhD thesis and the BSc (Hons) Biology and
Biopharmaceutical Science programme in GMIT,
is Chair of the Dept. of Anatomy and
Neuroscience Postrgraduate Student Affairs
committee, is a member of several departmental
and university committees, and recently
completed a Pg Cert in Teaching & Learning in
Higher Education.
http://publish.ucc.ie/profiles/C003/ooleary
24
Siobhain O' Mahony graduated with a B.Sc.
(Hons) in Neuroscience from University College
cork. She then went on to complete a Masters in
Neuropharmacology in the National University of
Ireland, Galway. Siobhain worked in the
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology in
the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands,
which was funded by a Marie Curie Fellowship.
Siobhain obtained a Ph.D. from the department of
Psychiatry, UCC. She continued her research on
adverse early life events and the development of
pain-related disorder during a post-doctoral post
in the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre,
Biosciences Institute, UCC. She then took up a
post-doctoral position with GlaxoSmithKline
validating lead compounds targeting visceral pain
in models of irritable bowel syndrome.
In 2008 Siobhain was appointed as Lecturer in
the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at
UCC. She is involved in teaching the B.Sc. in
Neuroscience course and Graduate Medical Entry
students.
Research Interests
Siobhain's main research areas assess outcomes
of adverse events during the first 1000 days of life
in particular the disruption of the developing gut
microbiota through events such as antibiotic
usage or s t ress fu l s i tuat ions . The
outcomes assessed include the development of
visceral pain in adulthood and alterations in the
signalling in the brain-gut-microbiota axis. She is
also interested in gender-related differences in
pain perception as well as the involvement of the
gut micorbiota in the development of obesity
following antipsychotic treatment.
Her research group is based in the APC
Microbiome Institute (faculty member) and the
department of Anatomy and Neuroscience in the
Biosciences Institute and the Western Gateway
Building.
h t t ps : / /www.ucc . i e / en / ana t omy /peop l e /
siobhainomahony/
Siobhain O' Mahony
25
André Toulouse received a BSc degree in Biology
from Université Laval (Québec, Canada) in 1991.
He developed his expertise in the cellular and
molecular biology of diseases by completing a
MSc (1993) and a PhD (1998) in Molecular
Biology at Université de Montréal (Montréal,
Canada). His interest in Neuroscience led him to
undertake post-doctoral work with Dr Guy
Rouleau in the Centre for Research in
Neuroscience at McGill University (Montréal,
Canada) where he also worked as a research
associate in the Neurogenetics Laboratory. His
research areas included the identification and
cloning of genes involved in neurodevelopmental
disorders and the development of cellular models
of neurodegeneration. In 2003, he moved to
University College Cork to pursue post-doctoral
work on the molecular biology of neurotrophic
factors in the laboratory of Dr Aideen Sullivan in
the Biosciences Institute.
Dr Toulouse was appointed as College Lecturer in
Clinical Anatomy and Principal Investigator in the
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience in
September 2005. He is currently involved in
teaching topographical anatomy, human
development and molecular neuroscience to
students in medicine, dentistry, clinical therapies
and neuroscience. In 2008, he was awarded a
post-graduate certificate in Teaching and Learning
in Higher Education (UCC) followed by a post-
graduate diploma in the same discipline in 2009.
Research Interests
His research is focused on the development of
cellular models for the study of the molecular
mechanisms of neuroprotection and
neurodegenereation, with a particular emphasis
on Parkinson’s disease and the polyglutamine
disorders. His work has been funded through
personal fellowships from the Fonds pour la
formation des chercheurs et l'aide à la recherche
and the Fonds de la recherche en santé du
Québec as well as research grants from the Health
Research Board of Ireland and the Irish Research
Council for Science, Engineering and Technology.
https://www.ucc.ie/en/anatomy/people/andretoulouse/
André Toulouse
26
Dr. Harriët Schellekens is a Lecturer in the
department of Anatomy & Neuroscience and a
Principal Investigator with Food for Health Ireland
(FHI) and within the APC Microbiome Institute.
She received a PhD in Pharmacy from the
University College Cork, Ireland and a MSc in
Biology and Medical Biology (Hons) from the
Radboud University in Nijmegen, The
Netherlands. She was awarded a Marie Curie Host
Fellowship for Transfer of Knowledge (TOK) in
2006. She has gained considerable experience in
the pharmaceutical industry in research and
development, lead development and optimization
at Organon NV (Akzo Nobel), during a 5 year
stint. In addition, she has worked at Eirx
therapeutics where she has been contributing
towards building a focused drug discovery
capability. Dr. Harriet Schellekens returned to the
academic settings in 2010 after which she has
also worked as a lecturer and module coordinator
in the School of Pharmacy, University College
Cork. Dr. Schellekens has published several peer-
reviewed articles and book chapters since her
return to academia. Dr Schellekens is currently
supervising 2 postdoctoral researchers, 5 PhD
students, 2 MSc students, and 3 visiting BSc
student from the Netherlands. Finally, she
regularly supervises and mentors 4th year
Pharmacy students.
Research Interests
To date, Harriet's research interests have been
focused on the neuronal circuitry underlying the
complex relationship between stress, mood and
food intake. In particular, her work has focused on
the pharmacology of centrally expressed G-protein
coupled receptors (GPCRs), neuropeptides and gut
hormones within the microbiota-brain-gut axis,
regulating the homeostatic control of food intake.
In addition, these appetite and satiety signals also
modulate the hedonic aspects of food intake and
impact on stress-induced food reward behavior,
which play a major role in the development of
eating disorders, including obesity, binge-eating
and addiction. Harriet is experienced in GPCR
pharmacology, GPCR crosstalk and dimerization
and has recently identified a novel heterodimer
between two key GPCRs regulating feeding
behavior, the GHS-R1a receptor and the 5-HT2C
receptor, using in vitro and in vivo approaches
(Schellekens et al., JBC, 2013).
In addition, Harriet has established and runs a
world-class cellular-based screening platform for
the identification of novel bioactives that modulate
appetite and satiety, mood and cognition.
Moreover, she is interested in the effect of
nutrition on synaptic plasticity and cognition and
has recently set-up electrophysiological
capabilities to investigate the impact of diet,
metabolic risk and gut microbes on brain function.
H-index: 10; Citations >362 (Google Scholar)
h t t ps : / /www.ucc . i e / en / ana t omy /peop l e /
harrietschellekens/
Harriët Schellekens
27
f o cu s on n eu r odeve l opmen t a l a nd
neuropsychiatric disorders.
http://research.ucc.ie/profiles/C003/
Jane English
Jane received her PhD in Molecular Psychiatry
and Proteomics from the Royal College of
Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in 2008. Jane
subsequently joined the M.J. Dunn laboratory as a
post-doctoral researcher at the University College
Dublin (UCD) Conway Institute, where she
developed proteomic methods to study biologically
relevant sub-proteomes in post-mortem brain from
patients with Schizophrenia. In 2013, Jane took
on the role of Programme Manager for a HRB
funded Biomarker Discovery Programme in
Psychosis in the DR Cotter laboratory, RCSI. In
this capacity, her research focused on using mass
spectrometry based -discovery and -targeted
workflows to identify and verify blood-based
protein biomarkers which predict the onset of
psychotic disorder in children with “at risk mental
state”. In 2017, Jane was awarded a Science
Foundation Ireland - Industry Fellowship to gain
industry experience in personalised diagnostics
and the development of commercial biomarker
assays at Inform Bioscience Ltd., Co. Cork; http://
www.informbio.com/.
In 2017, Jane was awarded a prestigious Health
Research Board -Emerging Investigator Award and
is the Principal Investigator of a Biomarker
Discovery Programme in Autism Spectrum
Disorder, at INFANT http://www.infantcentre.ie/.
In 2018, Jane was appointed Lecturer in the
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, UCC;
https://www.ucc.ie/en/anatomy/. For full
publication metrics visit google scholar https://
s c h o l a r . g o o g l e . c o m / c i t a t i o n s ?
user=h7x0IQoAAAAJ&hl=en.
Research Interests
Dr English’s research focuses on the application of
proteomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology
approaches to study molecular pathways
implicated in human health and disease, with a
28
FACILITIES & SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS
The department’s research laboratories are located in the Biosciences
Institute and the Western Gateway Building and are equipped with
equipment for cell culture, cell and molecular biology and
behavioural testing. The department also houses the BioSciences
Imaging Centre which is equipped for a variety of light and electron
microscopic applications, including TEM, SEM, laser scanning
confocal and two-photon imaging. In the Department of Anatomy
and Neuroscience all PhD, MSc and MD students are provided with a
dedicated writing space and access to the internet.
Progress towards completion of PhD, MSc and MD degrees will be
monitored in a fair and transparent way by the Departmental
Graduate Studies Committee.
The department encourages all research students to meet on a
regular basis and discuss their progress. In regular departmental
seminar series research, students have the opportunity to present
work in progress and to discuss their difficulties with staff and other
research students.
To promote and foster an active interest in their research topic and in
neuroscience in general, students are expected to partake in and
contribute to seminars, journal clubs, research days, conferences and
workshops, which the department organizes or supports.
Students are encouraged to actively participate in national and
international conferences and present their work.
UCC offer a range of services for students including accommodation,
careers service and advice, chaplaincy, computer training, crèche,
disability support service, graduate studies support, IT service, library,
student advisor and ombudsman, student budgeting advice service,
student counseling and development, student health service,
student’s union, student societies, http://www.ucc.ie/en/support.
https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/ https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentexperience/supports/
29
From October 2013, all incoming PhD/PhD track students will be registering for a Structured
PhD. This means that in addition to your research, you will also undertake a programme of
personal and professional development activities. You will be offered an extensive range of
modules which incorporate both research and generic skills development opportunities. You are
required to undertake a minimum of 15 credits of coursework and training. For a 3 year PhD, the
maximum number of credits that can be undertaken is 30 credits. For a 4 year PhD, the
maximum number of credits that can be undertaken is 90 credits. It is recommended that you
take the required 15 credits within the first 2 years of your PhD and that you discuss which
modules to undertake with your supervisor. Full details of these modules may be obtained from
the postgraduate calendar at:
https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/training/
Instead of taking a PG code generic skills module, you can also take a discipline specific module. The dept. offers two such modules AN6030 and AN6031. To take a module without a PG code you will need to complete a Discipline Specific Module Form (found here https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/training/) and return to [email protected]
Some Relevant Postgraduate Training Modules:
AN6030 Current Topics in Anatomy and Neuroscience
PG7048 PhD Generic and Transferable Skills Portfolio
PG6001 STEPS - Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Study
PG6003 Teaching & Learning Module
PG6004 Getting started with graduate research and generic skills
PG6005 Biotechniques
PG6009 Graduate Information Literacy Skills
PG6014 Scientific outreach and communication
PG7003 The PhD 11: From development to completion
PG7014 Creativity and innovation for research students
PG7016 Systemic reviews for the health sciences
AN6031 Critical Appraisal of Research Topics in Neuroscience
Specific information about specific modules and can be found in the Book of Modules: https://www.ucc.ie/admin/registrar/modules/
External modules
PhD/PhD Track students can apply for recognition of modules taken outside of UCC. If you have
taken or plan to take courses or modules outside UCC and wish to get credits towards your PhD,
you will need to complete an External Module Recognition Form (found here: https://www.ucc.ie/
en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/training/), and return to the Head of the Graduate School
of College of Medicine and Health, for approval.
POSTGRADUATE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
30
Frequently asked questions
Who do I contact if I have problems registering for an approved module?
For PG modules, the first point of contact is the module co-ordinator. However, you can also contact
the Graduate Studies office. E-mail: [email protected] or telephone: (021) 490876. For
disciplinary specific modules (i.e. those without a PG code, e.g. AN6030) the points of contact are
the module co-ordinator and [email protected]
Do I have to take generic skills modules as part of my PhD?
If your registration occurred anytime from October 2013 onwards, you are required to take 15 credits
of generic skills modules. If you registered prior to this date, you are not obliged to take these
modules unless you are participating in a structured programme.
How do I find out more about these modules?
Send an e-mail to the module co-ordinator or to [email protected], or see
https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/training/
POSTGRADUATE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
31
Several non-credit bearing courses are also available to you.
Communicating your Research
Statistics for Researchers
Research Integrity
For instructions on how to access these courses, See https://www.ucc.ie/en/med-health/
schools/gradschool/onlinecourses/
ONLINE COURSES
32
Introduction
The purpose of this UCC Code of Practice for Supervision of Research Students is to lay out clearly,
for all parties involved in research degrees, their responsibilities and reasonable expectations, the
key steps and procedures to be followed, and to help avoid misunderstandings or problems which
can occur due to the lack of such guidance. It captures key principles in a deliberately concise
manner, as it does not seek to repeat material which is available elsewhere (e.g., University
Calendar, Research Student Handbook). However, it is expected that students, supervisors and
members of Graduate Studies Committees within academic units (hereinafter “Graduate Studies
Committee”) are familiar with the broader University regulatory framework.
Responsibilities of the Student
During a research degree, research students are expected to undertake original research, under the
guidance of a supervisor or supervisors, leading to a thesis which describes the outcomes of their
research. In the case of a doctoral degree, the research should make sufficient contribution to your
field of study as to be publishable in the relevant academic literature and the award of the degree
follows a successful viva voce examination, in which the candidate demonstrates the ability to
engage in a high-level academic discussion of their work with internal and external examiners.
In order to reach these objectives, research students are expected to take all reasonable steps to
ensure the satisfactory progress of their studies and conduct their research in a professional manner
as befitting a postgraduate research student. In addition, if the research is being carried out in an
environment in which others (e.g., Research students and post-doctoral fellows) contribute to the
project, clear explanation of the contribution the student themselves have made is essential in the
thesis, and work done by others should be explicitly defined and acknowledged appropriately.
It is particularly important for students to take ownership and responsibility for their research, and
engage with all the supports and advice available to them, through the University.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of a research student to:
1. Maintain a professional relationship at all times with their academic supervisor(s) or members
of their supervisory team, and other University staff.
2. Maintain regular communications with their supervisor(s) and respond to requests/inquiries
promptly.
3. Record plans of work, and any changes to these plans, on a regular basis (e.g., by sending a
short email to their supervisor(s))
4. Fulfill any requirements of their programme in relation to completion of academic and/or
training modules.
5. Read and be familiar with the University’s regulations and the administrative requirements
relevant to the research degree, and relevant policies including inter alia that concerning
plagiarism.
6. Read and be familiar with the information presented in the UCC Postgraduate Research
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT
33
Student Handbook, and the Postgraduate Research Student Handbook of the academic unit, if
appropriate.
7. Take the initiative in identifying problems that impede the progress of their study and seek
solutions to these, including being familiar with the University’s procedures and supports for
informal and formal resolution of such issues, if necessary.
During the course of their study, research students will receive advice and feedback from their
Supervisor(s), and are therefore required to:
1. Discuss with their supervisor(s) the type of guidance and feedback that will be most helpful to
aid satisfactory progress of your study. This will usually involve regular formal meetings to
review your research progress, at a frequency agreed with your supervisor(s).
2. Present reports or other written material in sufficient time as requested by your supervisor(s)
and/or academic/administrative department.
3. Actively participate in review and evaluation procedures; annual reviews are compulsory for
doctoral students and are recommended for all research students.
Responsibilities of the Supervisor/Supervisory Team
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT
34
The main responsibilities of the principal supervisor of a research student are to provide intellectual
and pedagogical support towards successful completion of his/her studies. The supervisor has
overall responsibility for the student’s supervision and research training.
Rather than a single named supervisor, supervision may be the responsibility a team involving
more than one supervisor, or a supervisor and Advisor. In such cases, a principal supervisor must
be named who is responsible for administrative issues relating to, inter alia, the student’s
registration, progress and examination and holds the ultimate responsibility for the supervision of
the candidate. The roles of the other team members should be agreed at the start of the research,
and agreed clearly with the student.
The responsibilities of the supervisor, or shared by members of the supervisory team, are as
follows:
1. Be familiar with all policies, procedures and structures of the University and academic unit
relevant to research degrees and research students, and avail of appropriate opportunities for
continuing professional development in this area.
2. Give guidance and support on the student’s research topic, the planning of the research
programme, and the academic standards expected for successful completion of the doctoral
degree, including ensuring awareness of issues concerning plagiarism and other aspects of
research conduct.
3. Maintain a professional and constructive relationship with the student and other members
involved in the research programme.
4. Ensure the highest ethical and academic standards, by making the student aware of all
relevant regulations, policies and codes of practice, including health and safety policies and
procedures and obligations arising from them.
5. Ensure that the work reported in the dissertation is the student’s own and is credited as
appropriate. In the event that you have concerns in relation to plagiarism or breach of
copyright this should be reported to the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee.
6. Maintain regular communications with the student, as appropriate for the relevant stages of
the student’s project, and respond to student’s requests/inquiries in a reasonable time.
7. Provide advice on the selection of academic and/or training modules to be followed (where
appropriate) and support the facilitation of the student’s training needs.
8. Encourage the student, particularly in the case of doctoral students, to publish, participate in
colloquia, seminars and conferences, in accordance with disciplinary practices, and provide
advice on obtaining research funding, where appropriate;
9. Bring any planned leaves of absence longer than a month to the attention of the student and
ensure that alternative supervisory arrangements are in place as appropriate;
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUPERVISOR
35
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUPERVISOR
10. Provide advice and support on the submission of the thesis and, in the case of doctoral
students, preparation for the viva voce examination.
A key role of the supervisor is to review the student’s progress in their research in a structured
manner, both on an ongoing basis, formal and/or informal, and through a formal annual review
process carried out in conjunction with the Graduate Studies Committee of the academic unit,
which is compulsory for doctoral students, and encouraged for all research students.
This reviewing role should involve:
1. Holding regular meetings to monitor and review research progress, following an agreed
frequency of supervision meetings.
2. Requesting regular written work, interim reports or research results as appropriate to ensure
that student is working to the agreed timeline, and providing prompt and constructive
feedback on same.
3. Ensuring that the student is familiar with reporting and review requirements (e.g., for annual
reviews or funding agencies) and giving advice on the necessary completion dates of
successive stages of work.
4. Participating fully in the annual review process for progress of research students is
undertaken as described in the policy document The roles of Graduate Studies and the
operation of progress reviews for research students (2010).
5. Following up any negative outcomes of annual reviews of the progress of research students
through the stages as described in the above mentioned policy.
36
The Academic Unit (e.g., Department, Programme, Research Centre) in which a research student is
registered and undertakes their research plays a key role in support and oversight of their progress, and
is responsible for ensuring that adequate facilities and supervision are available to the Student
throughout their research. It is UCC policy that all Academic Units have a Graduate Studies Committee
to manage these functions.
The responsibilities of the Academic Unit are as follows:
1. The Academic Unit is responsible for ensuring that a research student has access to adequate
resources, facilities and equipment for their proposed thesis topic; the Head of Department/School, by
signing a student’s application form for postgraduate study, confirms that this is the case.
2. The Academic Unit will also be responsible for confirming, at application stage, that adequate
supervision arrangements will be in place for a research student.
3. During a research student’s course of study, the Academic Unit will provide support and oversight of
progress, through its Graduate Studies Committee*.
4. In some cases, the oversight of progress of students on named structured PhD programmes may be
the responsibility of a Programme Board, which will be made clear in the relevant programme
description.
5. It is the responsibility of the Head of Academic Unit to assign each research postgraduate student to
one Graduate Studies Committee, and students will be notified at the commencement of their studies
as to which Graduate Studies Committee will monitor their progress.
6. The Graduate Studies Committee’s primary responsibility, on behalf of the Academic Unit, is to
monitor and support the progress of research students in that Unit. The committee interfaces with
students, supervisors and the University for the purpose of monitoring student progress (including the
transfer of students from Masters/PhD track to PhD programmes, if appropriate), assisting supervisors
and improving the research student experience. It provides a mechanism for local identification and
resolution of any problems that may emerge in relation to a student’s progress.
7. The Graduate Studies Committee will identify the staff responsible for the review and verify that such
reviews have taken place.
8. The Graduate Studies Committee will also provide information and guidance to supervisors and
students regarding policy and procedures relevant to graduate research. In particular, the Graduate
Studies Committee is responsible for ensuring that a regularly updated Postgraduate Research Studies
Handbook for intending applicants and existing research students is produced and distributed.
9. The Graduate Studies Committee is responsible for ensuring that accurate records of all relevant
procedures, activities and meetings, including annual reviews of student progress, are kept within the
unit.
10. The Academic Unit shall have ultimate responsibility to the Student for the supervision of the
research.
This policy along with other relevant policies and forms can be found on the graduate studies website
https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/guidelines/
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ACADEMIC UNIT
37
Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience Graduate Studies Committee
Dr. Olivia O’Leary (Chair)
Professor John F. Cryan
Professor Aideen Sullivan
Dr. Yvonne Nolan
Dr. Andre Toulouse
Dr. Gerard O’Keeffe
Dr. Siobhain O’Mahony
Dr. Harriët Schellekens
Dr. Jane English
The role of the Graduate Studies Committee and the operation of progress reviews for postgraduate
research students is described in UCC’s policy document which can be accessed at
https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/guidelines/
DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY & NEUROSCIENCE GRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE
38
In order to progress to the next year of a PhD/MD programme, each PhD/MD student must be
assessed by the Anatomy and Neuroscience departmental Graduate Studies Committee after the
first second and third years. Each student is required to prepare the following:
1. Written Report
Students in their first year of their PhD or MD are required to submit a written report. The report
should include:
Title page
Introduction/literature review: which gives the scientific background to the project and
refers to relevant published research articles.
Objectives: provide a clear statement of the aims of the project.
Methods: this should contain a full description of all experimental procedures.
Results and discussion: this should provide a comprehensive account of all experimental
observations. Results should be presented in the form of figures and/or tables and reference
should be made to each figure/table in the text.
Problems encountered: and possible solutions
Future plans: outline of a proposed work plan for the next 12 months.
Bibliography: this should include the full reference for every article quoted in the report.
Appendices: (a) a list of scientific seminars or meetings attended;
(b) a list of publications (papers/abstracts).
The written report must be emailed to Dr. Olivia O’Leary (chair of the postgraduate committee)
one week in advance of the review date.
2. Seminar Presentation
All MSc, PhD and MD students are required to present their progress to date and a plan of work
for the following year. This is presented to the members of the departmental Graduate Studies
Committee. This should be of 15 minutes duration and should be a summary of the written re-
port. Your presentation should briefly outline the background and aims of your research, summa-
rise the main findings thus far, your conclusions, and a clear plan of what is left to do and when
this will be achieved.
On the day of the review, each student will be allotted 20 minutes during which time they will
present their report to the committee. Questions and discussion by the member of the committee
will follow. After the presentations, the assigned reviewers to each student will interview the stu-
dent, and critically review the written report and the student’s progress according to their perfor-
mance on the review day. A PhD/MD self-assessment review form is available to for use in ad-
vance of the review as a guideline on the assessment procedure. Each student will receive feed-
back from his or her reviewers after the review process.
DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY & NEUROSCIENCE PhD, MD and MSc PROGRESS REVIEWS
39
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT, DUTY OF RESPECT & RIGHT TO DIGNITY
All members of the UCC community have a duty to behave and conduct themselves so as to re-
spect the right of others to dignity, courtesy and respect at all times. All members should refrain
from engaging in acts of harassment or bullying, and work to deliver a positive environment in
which to conduct all university activities. Several policies are in place which as a UCC student
you must adhere to. You are obliged to read these policies which can be found here: https://
www.ucc.ie/en/studentexperience/policies/
Standard of Conduct
The University requires its Students to conduct themselves in an appropriate and reasonable
manner at all times to ensure:
Dignity, honesty and integrity;
Respect for all members of Staff;
Respect for fellow Students;
Respect for and adherence to the Rules, Regulations and Policies of the University;
Compliance with the academic processes of the University;
That the University is not brought into disrepute;
That the views, values and beliefs of others are respected
That no damage or injury is caused to any person or property
That the University community is free from intimidation and discrimination.
The full Student rules policy can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentexperience/
policies/
Duty of Respect and Right to Dignity
Definitions:
Harassment is defined in section 14A of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (as amended by the
Equality Act 2004) as any form of unwanted conduct related to any of the discriminatory
grounds, if the conduct has the purpose or effect of violating a person's dignity and creating an
intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the person. The dis-
criminatory grounds, for the purposes of legislation are gender, marital status, family status, sex-
ual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the Traveller community.
Common harassing behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
a. Unwelcome physical contact;
b. Inappropriate looks, comments or suggestions;
c. Interfering with or damage to property;
d. Threats or extortion;
e. Comments, gestures, jokes or displaying or circulating offensive material;
f. Hostile attitudes, practices or structures which discriminate against an individual or group
of persons.
40
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT, DUTY OF RESPECT & RIGHT TO DIGNITY
Sexual harassment is defined in Section 14A of the 1998 Employment Equality Act (as
amended) as any form of unwanted verbal, non verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature, if the conduct has the purpose or effect of violating a person's dignity and
creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for
the person.
Common sexual harassing behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
a. Verbal or physical advances;
b. Requesting sexual favours;
c. Asking about someone's sexual preferences, fantasies or activities;
d. Repeatedly asking for a date after someone has expressed lack of interest;
e. Unwelcome patting, hugging or touching someone's body, hair or clothing;
f. Making comments, jokes, sexual innuendo, or displaying or circulating
g. offensive and/or pornographic material;
h. Making suggestive or sexual gestures, movements or facial expressions;
i. Making disparaging remarks to someone about his/her gender or body.
Bullying, whilst not defined in legislation, can have serious effects on the health and welfare of recipi-
ents and is therefore regarded as a workplace risk and legislated for under the Safety, Health and Wel-
fare at Work Legislation. The Health and Safety Authority defines bullying as repeated inappropriate
behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons
against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could rea-
sonably be regarded as undermining the individual's right to dignity at work and that is the definition
used in this Policy. An isolated incident of the behaviour described in this definition may be an af-
front to dignity at work, but as a once off incident is not considered to be bullying.
Common bullying behaviour includes, but is not limited to
a. Unreasonably blocking someone's progress or advancement;
b. Persistent picking on someone;
c. Manipulation of someone’s reputation;
d. Manipulating the nature of someone’s work or the ability of someone to do his/her work (e.g.
overloading, withholding information, setting meaningless tasks);
e. Social exclusion or isolation;
f. Unwarranted or constant criticism, preventing someone from speaking,
g. shouting, public reprimands, rages or insults;
h. Unwanted physical contact, physical abuse or threats of abuse to an individual
i. or an individual's property;
j. Undermining an individual's work or self‐esteem.
k. Verbal abuse/insults
41
l. Intimidation
m. Aggression
n. Humiliation
o. Blame for things beyond the person’s control
It is important to distinguish bullying from other inappropriate behaviours. For example, a once
off incident of bullying behaviour may be an affront to dignity at work but is not considered to be
bullying. A once off incident of unacceptable behaviour which is prohibited under another Uni-
versity policy, may properly be the subject of complaint and action by the University under that
policy.
Bullying does not include reasonable and essential feedback or constructive criticism or disci-
pline arising from the management of the conduct or performance of an employee at work, or
actions taken which can be justified on grounds such as safety, health and welfare at work. For
example, an employee whose performance is justifiably continuously signalled in a proper and
reasonable manner as being at a level below required standards may feel threatened and inse-
cure in his/her work but this in itself does not indicate bullying.
Fair and constructive criticism of a person’s performance, conduct or attendance does not consti-
tute bullying.
Full policy can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentexperience/policies/
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT, DUTY OF RESPECT & RIGHT TO DIGNITY
42
Postgraduate research students may, during the course of their research programme, encounter
obstacles that might impede satisfactory progress if they are not resolved in a straightforward
manner. Learning to overcome obstacles can often help a researcher develop; however, some
can be barriers to learning and advancement.
1. Informal Resolution of Difficulties
The guiding principle of this policy is that parties should seek to resolve disputes at the most lo-
cal level possible, and avoid escalating the issue unless it is unavoidable. In addition, disputes
should be resolved at the earliest available opportunity, as this is likely to be more conducive to
a satisfactory outcome.
It is recommended that students, in the first instance, make a reasonable effort to resolve the
matter causing concern informally through contact with their supervisor(s).
If this does not resolve the difficulty or is inappropriate, then the student should contact one of
the following:
I. Co-supervisor or advisor; or
II. (Chair of the local Graduate Studies Committee (who may, at his/her discretion, consult
with the Head of School/Department).
2. Should the matter still not be resolved, then the student should contact one of the follow
ing:
I. Head of School/Department; or
II. Head of Graduate School of your College.
In the event that a solution is not found and agreed following on from your meeting with one of
the members of staff above, the matter can be brought by you to the Student Ombudsman
(https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentombudsman/).
If your concern/issue is of sufficiently serious nature, you may refer the matter directly to the Stu-
dent Ombudsman who may, at his/her discretion, refer the matter directly to the Formal Proce-
dure.
Student ombudsman:
Professor Fred Powell
School of Applied Social Studies, Room 2.01 Ashford, Donovan's Road.
email: [email protected],
Phone:(021) 4902593 or (021) 4902228.
HOW TO RESOLVE DIFFICULTIES AS A POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
43
This section contains information for postgraduate students regarding structures available should
you feel you may need support. The Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience operate an ‘open door’
system so please come and speak to anyone that you are comfortable with. Also, UCC has pro-
fessional services available to you and there are many external services also available to you.
Just one call or appointment may ease your mind.
FOR STUDENTS IN CRISIS
Student Counselling & Development
Phone: 4903565 (during opening hours)
Call in Ardpatrick House, College Road - Next To Student Car Park: Ardpatrick Map
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 9.30am-10.30am, 11am-1pm, 2.15pm-4.15pm
Student Health Department: Phone 4902311
OUT OF HOURS SUPPORT:
Samaritans: Emotional support: 24 hours, Freephone 116123 www.samaritans.org.
Pieta House: Support for people at risk of self-harm: 24 hours, Freephone 1800 247 247
UCC General Services Security: 24 Hours, Tel: (021) 4903111
Anglesea Street Gardaí HQ: 24 hours, Tel: (021) 4313031
A+E Cork University Hospital: 24 hours, Tel: (021) 4920230
South Doc (Evenings and week ends) Tel: 1850 335 999
Niteline: Freephone: 1800 32 32 42
Niteline is a confidential listening service offered by students for students. Available throughout
the academic year on Tues, Weds & Thurs from 9.00pm to 1.00am
FOR STUDENTS LOOKING FOR SUPPORT
1. Consider making an appointment to see a counsellor
Phone: (021) 4903565 or email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 9.30am-10.30am, 11am-1pm, 2.15pm-4.15pm
https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentcounselling/supporting/
2. Online self-help programmes and information including Cognitive Behavioural Programs
Link: https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentcounselling/online/
These online programs contain in-depth information, exercises, worksheets and activities
that are designed to help you overcome a variety of issues that can affect students.
CRISIS, MENTAL HEALTH & STRESS MANAGEMENT SUPPORTS
44
Programmes available:
Anxiety And Worry
Coping With Depression
Improving Self-esteem
Procrastination
Shyness And Social Anxiety
Improve Your Assertiveness
3. Shelf Help Library https://libguides.ucc.ie/bibliotherapy
4. Mindfulness programs:
Online: https://palousemindfulness.com/index.html
Classes on campus: Free mindfulness classes in UCC. Time and locations found here: https://
teamup.com/ks8wzdb2hydv6weu36
5. Other self-help resources/information: https://ie.reachout.com/college/
Reachout - Third Level is an online mental health and well-being resource for third level
students in Ireland and has comprehensive information on a wide variety of issues.
https://ie.reachout.com/college/
Students Against Depression offers advice, information and guidance for students affect
ed by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking. https://
www.studentsagainstdepression.org/
Wellbeing Podcasts can help you improve your wellbeing and lifestyle. https://
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos/podcasts-for-your-wellbeing
Peer support Programme.
Personal development and support workshops.
CRISIS, MENTAL HEALTH & STRESS MANAGEMENT SUPPORTS
45
USEFUL LINKS
For further information on postgraduate-related issues contact the Graduate Studies Office:
http://www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies/ E-mail: [email protected]
Code of Practice for Supervision of Research Students. https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/
currentresearchstudents/guidelines/
Policy on Resolution of Difficulties for Postgraduate Students. https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/
postgrad/currentresearchstudents/guidelines/
Research Student Learning Plan. https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/
guidelines/
The roles of Graduate studies committee and the operation of progress reviews for research stu-
dents. https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/guidelines/
A quick guide to PhD Thesis Submission. http://www.ucc.ie/en/media/studyatucc/postgrads/
quickguides/QuickGuidetoPhDThesisSubmissionforStudents.pdf
A quick guide to thesis submission for Master (major) students. http://www.ucc.ie/en/
graduatestudies/thesis/
A quick guide to thesis submission for MD students. http://www.ucc.ie/en/media/studyatucc/
postgrads/quickguides/QuickGuidetoMDThesisSubmissionforStudents.pdf
Useful forms. https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/currentresearchstudents/guidelines/
College of Medicine and Health Graduate School Webpage. http://www.ucc.ie/en/med-health/
gradschool/
Student mental health policy: https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentcounselling/supporting/
mentalhealth/
Student rules: https://www.ucc.ie/en/students/policies/
Duty of respect and right to dignity policy https://www.ucc.ie/en/students/policies/
2
Cover image courtesy of Professor Aideen Sullivan, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience.
Neurosphere culture of rat midbrain progenitor cells treated with neurotrophic fac-tors to enhance differentiation of dopaminergic neurons (green) for optimisation of
cell transplantation therapy for Parkinson’s disease. .