Ross Lab

Professor Paul Ross is the Director of APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork (UCC). He has gained international recognition for his research on antibacterial compounds and probiotics. In 2023, he was honoured with the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Researcher of the Year award for his significant contributions to food and gut health research. 

Paul's academic journey began at UCC, where he earned a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology, followed by a PhD in Microbiology. After postdoctoral research and an Assistant Professorship at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, he returned to Ireland to lead the Food Biotechnology programme at Teagasc’s Moorepark Food Research Centre. He later became Head of Food Research at Teagasc, overseeing both Moorepark and Ashtown Food Research Centres. In 2014, Paul rejoined UCC as Head of the College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science, and in 2019, he assumed the role of Director at APC Microbiome Ireland.

At APC Microbiome Ireland, Paul serves as a Principal Investigator in the 'Microbes to Molecules' research theme. This area focuses on understanding how microbes produce molecules that can benefit health. His work includes exploring new antimicrobials from microbiomes, aiming to find alternatives to traditional antibiotics.  Paul was also the recipient of an ERC Advanced award called BactheWinner looking to discover and develop bacteriocins as antimicrobials for therapeutic and food applications.

Paul Ross's leadership at APC Microbiome Ireland continues to drive research that seeks microbiome-based solutions to global health challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance. His dedication to understanding the microbial world contributes significantly to advancements in food and gut health.