Name
Fiona Doohan
Role
Co-Principal Investigator
Prof. Fiona Doohan is an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at the School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin (UCD). She has been a faculty member at UCD since 1999, holding roles as College Lecturer and Senior Lecturer before her current appointment in 2014. Prof. Doohan earned a BSc in Industrial Microbiology from UCD in 1994 and a PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology from the John Innes Centre, UK, in 1997, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the John Innes Centre.
Her research focuses on the interactions between plants, pathogens, and the environment, addressing critical challenges in food security and sustainability. She investigates plant-pathogen interactions, particularly fungal diseases like Fusarium in cereals, which reduce yield and produce harmful mycotoxins. Her work examines the impact of environmental factors and host genetics on these interactions, contributing to the development of safer, mycotoxin-free crops.
Prof. Doohan has also advanced transgenic plant technologies, collaborating with Teagasc to develop Ensifer-Mediated Transformation (EMT). Additionally, her work in biological control explores eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides.
Through her participation in national and EU-funded projects, Prof. Doohan contributes to agricultural innovation, soil health research, and the development of sustainable crop management strategies.
