Pillar 2
Research Areas
Diversification of Irish Plant Protein sources to underpin the high value opportunities linked with indigenous, sustainably sourced protein feedstock
To investigate the potential of growing alternative sources of plant protein on the Island of Ireland that can service the bioeconomy as climate neutral feedstuffs for bioprocessing and food.
Primary Investigator
Ewen Mullins, Atikur Rahman, Cathal McCabe, Edna Curley, Ian O'Connor,
Staff
Talita Sabino (Technician), Ivy Marahas (Research Assistant)
Funding Source
Research Ireland
Development and Characterisation of sustainable lignin-based nanocomposites
Developing new cutting-edge synthetic routes that can tailor the molecular structure of lignin to produce carbon-based nanostructures. Julieta: To develop and characterize lignin-based nano-structured carbon materials for application in supercapacitor electrodes, focusing on the effect of hybridization with silica and varying synthesis parameters to optimize porosity and electrochemical performance
Primary Investigator
Dr. Maurice Collins
Staff
Julieta Nicole Cantarella Otero (PhD)
Funding Source
Research Ireland
Lignocellulosic thermoplastic production from forestry resources
To develop value-added novel lignocellulosic thermoplastic from forestry resources.
Primary Investigator
Dr. Yuanyuan Chen
Staff
Saiqa Yaqoob (PhD)
Funding Source
Research Ireland
Mapping & Modelling of Macroalgal Biomass availability; Unlocking the potential of coastal ecosystems for the sustainable development of marine bioresources, habitat protection and climate change mitigation.
To map & develop qualitative and quantitative models of marine biomass availability
Primary Investigator
Dr. Nessa O'Connor
Staff
Dr. Abby Gilson (PD)
Funding Source
Research Ireland
Aquaculture food waste prevention and complete utilisation using a cascading approach
To achieve zero-waste approach for developed value chains. To design a microalgae-based cascading biorefinery process that converts aquaculture wastewater into omega-3 lipids and alternative proteins for use as a fishmeal substitute in aquaculture.
Primary Investigator
Dr. Ronald Halim
Staff
Fateme Saaditanavaz (PhD), Prof. Brijesh Tiwari
Funding Source
Research Ireland
Nutramara: Validation of Green Extraction and Bioactivity of Marine β-Glucans and assessment of seaweed bioactives for Human Health Applications
This research aims to validate and optimize the green extraction of β-glucan and other marine bioactives from Irish seaweed, focusing on their health benefits and potential applications in skincare and functional nutrition. With the increasing demand for sustainable, bioactive-rich ingredients, this study seeks to enhance Nutramara’s green chemistry-based extraction process while evaluating the functional properties…
Primary Investigator
Prof. Brijesh Tiwari
Staff
PD
Funding Source
Industry
Climate Neutral Cropping Systems, Pillar 2
Diversification of Irish Plant Protein sources to underpin the high value opportunities linked with indigenous, sustainably sourced protein feedstock
To investigate the potential of growing alternative sources…