The University of Limerick recently welcomed leading researcher in Gut Health Research and Professor of Medicine at UCC, Fergus Shanahan, who delivered a keynote address at the 6th Annual Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) Research Forum. The keynote, “Microbes, medicine and man” will explore the relationship between modern lifestyle factors, including diet and antibiotic exposure, and the risk of common diseases, such as obesity, allergies and metabolic disorders. This has become one of the most rapidly developing areas in biology and medicine. The keynote will also address the therapeutic potential for manipulation of the bacterial communities colonising humans from birth and the promise of mining these microbes for future drugs and functional food ingredients.

Over twenty researchers from the University of Limerick and affiliated teaching hospitals are taking part in this year’s forum covering research in the areas of mathematical modelling, wireless monitoring of patients, cancer cell biology, the role of exercise in physical and mental health, nutrition, population health data, the role of motherhood and consumption in child health and medical law.  The forum will take place on Wednesday 16th January, 9.30am, Graduate Entry Medical School Lecture Theatre, GEMS0-016, GEMS Building.

Professor William T O'Connor, Head of Teaching & Research in Physiology, UL and conference organiser said; "The recent discovery in animals that anxiety and depression-like behaviours can be changed by altering the environment for microbes in our gut - possibly involving the immune system - may help explain how improved gut health can act to improve brain function and mental health. The forum is designed to shorten the frustratingly long 10 to 20 year process in translating precisely this type of basic finding into clinical practice by providing an opportunity for researchers - both clinicians and non-clinicians – to meet for our graduate medical students and these contacts may be useful later-on."

Speaking in advance of the forum, Professor Shanahan said: “I am pleased to speak at this trans-disciplinary research meeting in Limerick and particularly as my lectureship celebrates the memory of a local hero of scientific medicine, Dr. Samuel Crumpe. My talk will reflect the possibilities that arise when Irish scientists and clinician-scientists work together. “

Professor Shanahan has 30 years’ experience of gut health research which includes working as a gastroenterologist in the USA and Canada. He combines clinical work with teaching and research where he is Director of The Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre & Director of The BioSciences Institute at University College Cork and continues to see patients in a practice at Cork University Hospital.
The Annual Research Forum is a unique event in the university sector in Ireland. This type of forum provides a broad overview of the interdisciplinary and collaborative research in the field of healthcare undertaken across UL's student body, faculty and research community.

For further information go to www.ul.ie/medicalschool