Eric Downer graduated from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) with a first class honours degree in Physiology (2001), and a Ph.D in Neuroscience (2005). He began his postdoctoral research career in the Physiology department at TCD with Prof. Marina Lynch (2005-2008) where his research focused on the signalling events underlying the neuroinflammatory conditions that are associated with brain ageing, particularly the mechanisms controlling microglial cell activation. Subsequently he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) that enabled him to develop a research programme focused on the neuroimmunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids. This research programme was based with Prof. Paul Moynagh at the Institute of Immunology, NUI Maynooth (2008-2010). In 2011 he returned as a senior research fellow with Prof. Marina Lynch at the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, TCD, also acting as co-ordinator of the structured PRTLI PhD programme at TCD during this time (2012).
He was appointed to a Lectureship in Anatomy and Neuroscience in UCC in January 2013, and is currently involved in teaching Anatomy and Neuroscience modules for Dental, Dental Hygiene, Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy students.
Dr. Downer’s research interest is in Neuroimmunology, with emphasis on the role of the innate immune system in neuroinflammatory conditions. He has a particular interest in the cannabinoid system, and its role in regulating neuroinflammation. His research in this field has made significant contributions to our understanding of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory therapies, particularly in Multiple Sclerosis. He leads an active research group, and his research has been funded by IRCSET, the Health Research Board (HRB), the Physiological Society UK, the British Neuropathological Society, the Strategic Reseach Fund (UCC) and the Translational Research Access Programme (TRAP). He acts as an expert reviewer for 15 journals, and also acts as Editor for the British Journal of Pharmacology, Advances in Medicine, International Journal of Cell Biology and Neuroscience Journal. Dr. Downer has been honoured with the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Early Career Award (2009) and the Neuroscience Ireland Early Career Investigator Award (2013). Eric is the secretary of the Cannabinoid Ireland research committee, acts a council member for the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (Biomedical Sciences section) and was recently appointed as Director of the Biosciences Imaging Centre at UCC (June 2014).
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN1006 - Topographical Anatomy
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN2008 - Dental morphology, Histology and Embryology
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN3060 - Applied Neurology for Occupational Therapy
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN3061 - Applied Neurology for Speech and Language Therapy
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN4013 - Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
Lecturer - AN3013 - Neurobiology of Disease
Supervisor - AN3011 - Library Project
Supervisor - AN4010 - Research Project
Supervisor - RD4001 - Library Project
Biography
Eric Downer graduated from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) with a first class honours degree in Physiology (2001), and a Ph.D in Neuroscience (2005). He began his postdoctoral research career in the Physiology department at TCD with Prof. Marina Lynch (2005-2008) where his research focused on the signalling events underlying the neuroinflammatory conditions that are associated with brain ageing, particularly the mechanisms controlling microglial cell activation. Subsequently he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) that enabled him to develop a research programme focused on the neuroimmunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids. This research programme was based with Prof. Paul Moynagh at the Institute of Immunology, NUI Maynooth (2008-2010). In 2011 he returned as a senior research fellow with Prof. Marina Lynch at the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, TCD, also acting as co-ordinator of the structured PRTLI PhD programme at TCD during this time (2012).
He was appointed to a Lectureship in Anatomy and Neuroscience in UCC in January 2013, and is currently involved in teaching Anatomy and Neuroscience modules for Dental, Dental Hygiene, Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy students.
Dr. Downer’s research interest is in Neuroimmunology, with emphasis on the role of the innate immune system in neuroinflammatory conditions. He has a particular interest in the cannabinoid system, and its role in regulating neuroinflammation. His research in this field has made significant contributions to our understanding of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory therapies, particularly in Multiple Sclerosis. He leads an active research group, and his research has been funded by IRCSET, the Health Research Board (HRB), the Physiological Society UK, the British Neuropathological Society, the Strategic Reseach Fund (UCC) and the Translational Research Access Programme (TRAP). He acts as an expert reviewer for 15 journals, and also acts as Editor for the British Journal of Pharmacology, Advances in Medicine, International Journal of Cell Biology and Neuroscience Journal. Dr. Downer has been honoured with the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Early Career Award (2009) and the Neuroscience Ireland Early Career Investigator Award (2013). Eric is the secretary of the Cannabinoid Ireland research committee, acts a council member for the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (Biomedical Sciences section) and was recently appointed as Director of the Biosciences Imaging Centre at UCC (June 2014).
Research Interests
Dr. Downer’s research interest
is in neuroimmunology, with emphasis on the role of the innate immune system in neuroinflammatory conditions. He has a particular interest in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and is interested in developing novel biomarkers that correlate with disease progression, in addition to assessing new therapeutic avenues in MS. He also has a particular interest in the cannabinoid system, and its role in regulating neuroinflammation. His research in this field has made significant contributions to our understanding of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory therapies, particularly in MS.
H-index: 14; Citations >700 (Google Scholar)
Grants and Funding: Awarded over €160,000 in independent grants and fellowships to date:
RESEARCH GROUP:
CURRENT
MSc student: Tadhg Crowley (2013-2014) - "The role of GABAb receptors in neuroinflammation". (co-supervised with Dr. Olivia O'Leary)
MSc student: Alison Barry (2014-2015) - "Impact of aerobic exercise on immune parameters and cognition in MS patients".
PhD student: Mutahira Lone (2014-2017) - "Innovative strategies for teaching Anatomy to Dental students".
MD student: Dr. Siew-Mei Yap (2014-2016) - "Neuropathological characterisation of the role of MKP-1 in human post-mortem MS brain". (co-supervised with Dr. Yvonne Nolan)
Neuroscience BSc students:
Leigh-Ann Hayes (2015)
Tracy Hogan (2015)
PAST:
MSc student (Biotechnology): John-Mark Fitzpatrick (2014) - "Interferon-beta as a cannabinoid target in Multiple Sclerosis therapy".
ERASMUS internship: Teun Kuijper (2013-2014) - "Interferon-beta as a cannabinoid target in Multiple Sclerosis therapy".
HRB summer studentship:
Richard Magee (2013) - "Neuropathological characterisation of post-mortem Multiple Sclerosis tissue: focus on MKP-1". (co-supervised with Dr. Yvonne Nolan)
Neuroscience BSc students:
Alicia O'Leary (2013)
Richard Magee (2014)
Robert Shannon (2014)
Sophie O'Halloran (2014)
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Neuropathological Society - Neuropathological characterisation of human post-mortem MS lesions. | 24-NOV-14 | 27-NOV-15 | €6,300.00 | ||
| SRF equipment grant | 09-SEP-14 | 09-SEP-15 | €13,794.00 | ||
| SRF equipment repair grant | 09-SEP-14 | 01-DEC-14 | €5,000.00 | ||
| Innovative teaching strategies for teaching Dental Anatomy | 01-OCT-14 | 01-OCT-15 | €1,200.00 | ||
| Impact of aerobic exercise on immune parameters and cognition in Multiple Sclerosis | 01-SEP-14 | 01-SEP-15 | €13,000.00 | ||
| Interferon beta as a cannabinoid target in MS therapy. | 05-AUG-13 | 04-AUG-14 | €10,000.00 | ||
| Neuropathological analysis of MKP-1 in post-mortem human Multiple Sclerosis tissue | Health Research Board | 03-JUN-13 | 04-AUG-14 | €1,500.00 | |
| o British Pharmacological Society conference grant | 02-JAN-12 | 03-JUN-13 | €12,000.00 | ||
| Failte Ireland Conference grant | 01-MAR-13 | 01-JUL-13 | €1,200.00 | ||
| International Society for Neurochemistry conference grant | 01-JAN-13 | 02-JUN-14 | €7,500.00 | ||
| Dissecting the Immunomodulatory role of cannabinoids in MS. | Irish Research Council | 01-DEC-08 | 06-DEC-10 | €79,280.00 |
Publications
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2008) | 'Cannabinoids and Neuroprotection' Campbell, V.A. and Downer, E.J. (2008) 'Cannabinoids and Neuroprotection' In: Cannabinoids and the Brain. Madrid: Springer Verlag. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'Analysis of the impact of CD200 on neurodengeneration' Miller, A-M., Deighan, B., Downer, E.J., Lyons, A., Henric-Noak, P., Nolan, Y. and Lynch, M.A. (2011) 'Analysis of the impact of CD200 on neurodengeneration' In: Neurodegenerative Diseases – Processes, Prevention, Protection and Monitoring. New York: InTech. [CORA Link] [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2014) | 'Neuropathic orofacial pain: cannabinoids as a therapeutic avenue' Patrick McDonough, Joseph P. McKenna, Christine McCreary, Eric J. Downer (2014) 'Neuropathic orofacial pain: cannabinoids as a therapeutic avenue'. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'MyD88 acts as an adaptor protein for inflammatory signaling induced by amyloid-beta in macrophages' O'Halloran, S., O'Leary, A., Kuijper, T., Downer, E.J. (2014) 'MyD88 acts as an adaptor protein for inflammatory signaling induced by amyloid-beta in macrophages'. Immunology letters, [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase (MKP)-1 in Nervous System Development and Disease' Collins L.M., Downer E.J., Toulouse A., Nolan Y.M. (2015) 'Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase (MKP)-1 in Nervous System Development and Disease'. Molecular Neurobiology, 51 (June):1158-1167 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Cannabinoids: Clearing the smoke on pain, inflammation and neurodegeneration' Downer, E.J. and Finn, D.P. (2014) 'Cannabinoids: Clearing the smoke on pain, inflammation and neurodegeneration'. British Journal of Pharmacology, [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'High Hopes for CB2 in Neurogenesis' Downer, E.J. (2014) 'High Hopes for CB2 in Neurogenesis'. British Journal of Pharmacology, [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Identifying early inflammatory changes in monocyte-derived macrophages from a population with IQ-discrepant episodic memory' Downer, E.J., Jones, R., McDonald, C.L., Greco, E., Brenna, S., Connor, T.J., Robertson, I.H. and Lynch, M.A. (2013) 'Identifying early inflammatory changes in monocyte-derived macrophages from a population with IQ-discrepant episodic memory'. Plos One, [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Toll-like Receptor Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease Progression' Downer, E.J. (2013) 'Toll-like Receptor Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease Progression'. The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Parkinsonism, [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'DIFFERENTIAL ROLE OF DOK1 AND DOK2 IN TLR2-INDUCED INFLAMMATORY SIGNALING IN GLIA' Downer, E.J., Johnston, D and Lynch, M.A. (2013) 'DIFFERENTIAL ROLE OF DOK1 AND DOK2 IN TLR2-INDUCED INFLAMMATORY SIGNALING IN GLIA'. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Dok2 mediates the CD200Fc attenuation of Abeta-induced changes in glia' Lyons, A., Downer, E.J., Costello, D.A., Murphy, N. and Lynch, M.A. (2012) 'Dok2 mediates the CD200Fc attenuation of Abeta-induced changes in glia'. Journal of Neuroimmunology, [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'The synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 augments interferon-β expression via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α' Downer, E.J.*, Clifford, E., Amu, S., Fallon, P.G. and Moynagh, P.N*. (*Contributed equally as senior authors). (2012) 'The synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 augments interferon-β expression via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α'. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'Identification of the synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 as a novel regulator of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation and IFN-β expression: relevance to therapeutic effects in models of multiple sclerosis' Downer, E.J., Clifford, E., Gran, B., Nel, H.J., Fallon, P.G. and Moynagh, P.N. (2011) 'Identification of the synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 as a novel regulator of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation and IFN-β expression: relevance to therapeutic effects in models of multiple sclerosis'. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'Cannabinoids and innate immunity: taking a toll on neuroinflammation' Downer, E.J. (2011) 'Cannabinoids and innate immunity: taking a toll on neuroinflammation'. The Scientific World Journal, [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'Phytocannabinoids, CNS cells and development: A dead issue?' Downer, E.J. and Campbell, V.A. (2010) 'Phytocannabinoids, CNS cells and development: A dead issue?'. Drug and alcohol review, [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'The polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DPA exert a protective effect in the hippocampus of the aged rat' Kelly, L., Grehan, B., Chiesa, A.D., O'Mara, S.M., Downer, E., Sahyoun, G., Massey, K.A., Nicolaou, A. and Lynch, M.A. (2010) 'The polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DPA exert a protective effect in the hippocampus of the aged rat'. Neurobiology of Aging, [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'A novel anti-inflammatory role of NCAM-derived mimetic peptide, FGL' Downer, E.J., Cowley, T., Lyons, A., Mills, K.H.G., Berezin, V., Bock, E. and Lynch M.A. (2010) 'A novel anti-inflammatory role of NCAM-derived mimetic peptide, FGL'. Neurobiology of Aging, [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'A synthetic NCAM-derived mimetic peptide, FGL, exerts anti-inflammatory properties via IGF-1 and interferon-γ modulation' Downer, E.J., Cowley, T., Cox, F., Maher, F.O., Berezin, V., Bock, E. and Lynch M.A. (2009) 'A synthetic NCAM-derived mimetic peptide, FGL, exerts anti-inflammatory properties via IGF-1 and interferon-γ modulation'. Journal of Neurochemistry, [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'Decreased neuronal CD200 expression in IL-4 deficient mice results in increased neuroinflammation in response to lipopolysaccharide' Lyons, A., McQuillan, K., Deighan, B., O’Reilly, J.A., Downer, E.J., Murphy, A.C., Watson, M., Piazza, A., O’Connell, F., Griffin, R., Mills, K.H.G. and Lynch M.A. (2009) 'Decreased neuronal CD200 expression in IL-4 deficient mice results in increased neuroinflammation in response to lipopolysaccharide'. Brain Behav Immun, [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'Fractalkine-induced activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathway attentuates microglial activation in vivo and in vitro' Lyons, A., Lynch, A.M., Downer, E.J., Hanley, R., O’Sullivan, J.B., Smith, A. and Lynch M.A. (2009) 'Fractalkine-induced activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathway attentuates microglial activation in vivo and in vitro'. Journal of Neurochemistry, [Details] | |
| (2007) | 'The tumour suppressor protein, p53, is involved in the activation of the apoptotic cascade by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in cultured cortical neurons' Downer, E.J., Gowran, A., Murphy, Á.C. and Campbell, V.A. (2007) 'The tumour suppressor protein, p53, is involved in the activation of the apoptotic cascade by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in cultured cortical neurons'. European Journal of Pharmacology, [Details] | |
| (2007) | 'CD200 ligand-receptor interaction modulates microglial activation in vivo and in vitro; a role for IL-4' Downer, E.J.*, Lyons, A.*, Crotty, S., Nolan, Y.M., Mills, K.H.G. and Lynch, M.A. (*Authors contributed equally to work). (2007) 'CD200 ligand-receptor interaction modulates microglial activation in vivo and in vitro; a role for IL-4'. The Journal of Neuroscience, [Details] | |
| (2007) | 'A comparison of the apoptotic effect of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in the neonatal and adult rat cerebral cortex' Downer, E.J., Gowran, A. and Campbell, V.A. (2007) 'A comparison of the apoptotic effect of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol in the neonatal and adult rat cerebral cortex'. Brain Research, [Details] | |
| (2003) | 'A role for c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), but not JNK2, in the β-amyloid-mediated stabilization of protein p53 and induction of the apoptotic cascade in cultured cortical neurons' Fogarty, M.P., Downer, E.J. and Campbell, V.A. (2003) 'A role for c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), but not JNK2, in the β-amyloid-mediated stabilization of protein p53 and induction of the apoptotic cascade in cultured cortical neurons'. Biochemical Journal, [Details] | |
| (2003) | 'Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced neurotoxicity depends on CB1 receptor-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in cultured cortical neurons' Downer, E.J., Fogarty, M.P. and Campbell, V.A. (2003) 'Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced neurotoxicity depends on CB1 receptor-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in cultured cortical neurons'. British Journal of Pharmacology, [Details] | |
| (2001) | 'Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol induces the apoptotic pathway in cultured cortical neurones via activation of the CB1 receptor' Downer, E., Boland, B., Fogarty, M. and Campbell, V. (2001) 'Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol induces the apoptotic pathway in cultured cortical neurones via activation of the CB1 receptor'. Neuroreport, 12 (18):3973-8-3978 [DOI] [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2014) | 4th Annual meeting of Frontiers in Neurology Siew-Mei Yap, Richard Magee, Yvonne. M. Nolan and Eric J. Downer (2014) NEUROPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HUMAN POST-MORTEM MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BRAIN TISSUE 4th Annual meeting of Frontiers in Neurology [Details] | |
| (2014) | 4th Annual meeting of Frontiers in Neurology Tadhg Crowley, John-Mark Fitzpatrick, Orna O’Toole, John F. Cryan, Olivia F. O'Leary, and Downer EJ (2014) AN INVESTIGATION INTO BACLOFEN AS A MODULATOR OF CENTRAL TLR3/TLR4 SIGNALLING 4th Annual meeting of Frontiers in Neurology [Details] | |
| (2014) | Careers in Neuroscience Symposium Galway Crowley T, Cryan JF, Downer EJ, O'Leary OF (2014) Investigation of the GABAB receptor as a modulator of central and peripheral inflammation Careers in Neuroscience Symposium Galway [Details] | |
| (2014) | RAMI (Biomedical Science) Magee R, Nolan YM, Downer EJ (2014) Assessment of inflammatory activity in Multiple Sclerosis lesions RAMI (Biomedical Science) UCD, Dublin, [Details] | |
| (2013) | 8th Annual Neuroscience Ireland conference Magee R, Nolan YM, Downer EJ (2013) Assessment of inflammatory activity in multiple sclerosis lesions and normal-appearing white matter 8th Annual Neuroscience Ireland conference University College Cork, [Details] | |
| (2013) | Neuroscience Ireland O'Leary, A. and Downer, E.J. (2013) THE ROLE OF TOLL/IL-1 RECEPTOR ADAPTOR, MYD88, IN AMYLOID-BETA-INDUCED INFLAMMATORY SIGNALLING Neuroscience Ireland [Details] | |
| (2013) | Neuroscience Ireland Downer, E.J. (2013) Toll-like receptors and innate immunity: in search of a therapeutic high Neuroscience Ireland [Details] | |
| (2013) | Neuroscience Ireland C.L. McDonald, E.S. Mackay, R.S. Jones, A.M. Minogue, E.J. Downer, and M.A. Lynch (2013) The Response of THP-1 Human Monocytes to Plasma from Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroscience Ireland [Details] | |
| (2011) | Irish Society for Immunology, ISI Abstracts, 17 Johnson, D., Downer, E.J. and Lynch, M.A. (2011) Role of TLR2 in neuroinflammation Irish Society for Immunology, ISI Abstracts, 17 [Details] | |
| (2010) | Irish Society for immunology, ISI Abstracts, 16 Downer, E.J., Clifford, E., Gran, B., Nel, H., Fallon, P.G. and Moynagh, P.N. (2010) Identification of the synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 as a novel regulator of IFN regulatory factor 3 activation and IFN-beta expression: relevance to therapeutic effects in models of multiple sclerosis Irish Society for immunology, ISI Abstracts, 16 [Details] | |
| (2010) | Neuroscience Ireland, Irish Journal of Medical Science, S104 Downer, E.J., Clifford, E. and Moynagh, P.N. (2010) Identification of the synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 as a novel regulator of IFN regulatory factor 3 activation and IFN-beta expression: relevance to therapeutic effects in models of multiple sclerosis Neuroscience Ireland, Irish Journal of Medical Science, S104 [Details] | |
| (2010) | 20th Annual Symposium on Cannabinoids, P4-4 Downer, E.J., Clifford, E., Gran, B., Nel, H., Fallon, P.G. and Moynagh, P.N. (2010) Identification of the synthetic cannabinoid R(+)WIN55,212-2 as a novel regulator of IFN regulatory factor 3 activation and IFN-beta expression: relevance to therapeutic effects in models of multiple sclerosis 20th Annual Symposium on Cannabinoids, P4-4 [Details] | |
| (2009) | Alzheimer's Neurocience Conference, AAIC Abstracts, 9 Miller A-M, Cowley T.R., Piazza A., Downer E.J., Lynch M.A. (2009) - Alzheimer's Neurocience Conference, AAIC Abstracts, 9 [Details] | |
| (2009) | Alzheimer's Neuroscience Conference, AAIC Abstracts, 9 Cowley T.R., Miller A-M, Piazza A., Downer E.J., Lynch M.A. (2009) - Alzheimer's Neuroscience Conference, AAIC Abstracts, 9 [Details] | |
| (2008) | Journal of Neuroimmunology, 197(2), 165- 165 Lyons, A., Downer, E.J. and Lynch M.A. (2008) - Journal of Neuroimmunology, 197(2), 165- 165 [Details] | |
| (2008) | 18th Annual Symposium on Cannabinoids, P146 Murphy, C., Gowran, A., Downer, E.J. and Campbell, V.A. (2008) - 18th Annual Symposium on Cannabinoids, P146 [Details] | |
| (2008) | 18th Annual Symposium on Cannabinoids, P147 Downer, E.J. and Campbell, V.A. (2008) - 18th Annual Symposium on Cannabinoids, P147 [Details] | |
| (2008) | Journal of Neuroimmunology, 197(2), 164-164 Cowley, T., Downer, E.J., Cox, F. and Lynch M.A. (2008) - Journal of Neuroimmunology, 197(2), 164-164 [Details] | |
| (2008) | Journal of Neuroimmunology, 203(2), 196- 196 Lyons, A., Downer, E.J. and Lynch M.A. (2008) - Journal of Neuroimmunology, 203(2), 196- 196 [Details] | |
| (2008) | Irish Society for Immunology & Ulster Immunology Group Downer, E.J., Cowley, T., Lyons, A., Mills, K.H.G., Berezin, V., Bock, E. and Lynch M.A. (2008) Journal of Neuroimmunology, 197(2), 165-165 Irish Society for Immunology & Ulster Immunology Group [Details] | |
| (2008) | ISI Abstracts, P053 Downer, E.J., Clifford, E. and Moynagh, P.N. (2008) - ISI Abstracts, P053 [Details] | |
| (2008) | FENS Abstracts, 015.8 Downer, E.J., Cowley, T., Lyons, A., Mills, K.H.G., Berezin, V., Bock, E. and Lynch M.A. (2008) - FENS Abstracts, 015.8 [Details] | |
| (2007) | BNA Abstracts, 2007, 7.01 Downer, E.J., Griffin, R. and Lynch M.A. (2007) - BNA Abstracts, 2007, 7.01 [Details] | |
| (2006) | FENS Abstracts, 2006, A201.3 Downer, E.J., Griffin, R. and Lynch M.A. (2006) - FENS Abstracts, 2006, A201.3 [Details] | |
| (2004) | Journal of Anatomy, 205(6), 531 Downer, E.J., Murphy, A. and Campbell, V.A. (2004) - Journal of Anatomy, 205(6), 531 [Details] | |
| (2004) | Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, 2004, 690.14 Downer, E.J., Fogarty, M.P., Boland, B. and Campbell, V.A. (2004) - Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, 2004, 690.14 [Details] | |
| (2003) | Journal of Physiology, 551P, PC30 Redmond, I., Downer, E.J. and Campbell, V.A. (2003) - Journal of Physiology, 551P, PC30 [Details] | |
| (2003) | Journal of Physiology, 551P, PC29 Downer, E.J. and Campbell, V.A. (2003) - Journal of Physiology, 551P, PC29 [Details] | |
| (2002) | Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, 2002, 892.5 Downer, E.J. and Campbell, V.A. (2002) - Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, 2002, 892.5 [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | BNS grant | British Neuroptahological Society Research Grant | |
| 2014 | Physiological Society Grant | Physoc UK | |
| 2014 | ISN Young colloquia speaker | International Society for Neurochemistry | |
| 2013 | Neuroscience Ireland Early Career Investigator Award. | Neuroscience Ireland | |
| 2013 | HRB Summer Studentship (supervisor). | HRB | |
| 2013 | Translation Research Access Programme Grant. | School of Medicine UCC | |
| 2013 | International Society for Neurochemistry Conference Award. | International Society for Neurochemistry | |
| 2013 | Failte Ireland Conference Grant. | Failte Ireland | |
| 2012 | British Pharmacological Society conference grant (co-recipient). | British Pharmacological Society | |
| 2011 | Elected as secretary of the Irish Cannabinoid Research Committee. | Irish Cannabinoid Research Committee. | |
| 2010 | Elected council member of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland. | RAMI | |
| 2009 | RAMI Early Career Award. | Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland | |
| 2009 | The Cannabinoid Research Society Early Career Travel Award. | ICRS | |
| 2008 | IRCSET postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme. | IRCSET |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Cannabinoid Research Society | Member | / | |
| Neuroscience Ireland | Member | / | |
| Cannabinoid Ireland Research Society | Secretary | / | |
| Society for Neuroscience | Member | / | |
| Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland (Biomedical Sciences section) | Council member | / | |
| International Society for Neurochemistry. | Member | / | |
| Medical Research Council (2014) | Grant Reviewer | / | |
| NUI Postdoctoral Fellowships in the Sciences (2014) | Grant Reviewer | / | |
| NUI Traveling Studentships in the Sciences (2014) | Grant Reviewer | / | |
| The Physiological Society UK | Member | 01-APR-14 / 01-APR-15 | |
| The Anatomical Society | Member | 01-JUL-14 / 01-JUN-15 |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Review committee, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, UCC | Reviewer | / | |
| Irish Cannabinoid Society | Secretary | / | |
| Royal Academy of Medicine (Biomedical Sciences section) | Council member | / | |
| NUI Traveling Studentships in the Sciences (2014) | Grant reviewer | / | |
| Medical Research Council (2014) | Grant reviewer | / | |
| NUI Postdoctoral Fellowships in the Sciences (2014) | Grant reviewer | / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCC | Director of the Biosciences Imaging Facility | 01-JUL-14 / | |
| UCC | Lecturer and Principal Investigator | 03-JAN-13 / | |
| TCD | Lecturer (part-time) | 06-JAN-11 / 20-DEC-13 | |
| TCD | Senior post-doc | 04-APR-11 / 20-DEC-13 | |
| TCD | Co-ordinator of PRTLI stuctured PhD programme | 09-JAN-12 / 02-APR-12 | |
| NUIM | IRCSET post-doc fellow | 01-DEC-08 / 20-DEC-10 | |
| TCD | Post-doc | 06-NOV-05 / 28-NOV-08 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | TCD | PhD | The effect of cannabinoids on neuronal viability. | |
| 2001 | TCD | BA (Hons) | Science (Physiology) |
Outreach Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Blogger on MS for Novartis-sponsored website (2014-Present). | |
Speaker at MS Ireland conference on their Annual Living with MS conference (2014). | |
Speaker at the 2014 Pint of Science Festival. | |
Article contributor to MS Ireland newsletters (2014). |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal Of Neurochemistry | Referee | - | |
| Acs Chemical Neuroscience | Referee | - | |
| Advances In Medicine | Editor | - | |
| International Journal Of Cell Biology | Editor | - | |
| The Journal Of Alzheimer’S Disease & Parkinsonism | Referee | - | |
| The Scientific World Journal | Referee | - | |
| Biochemical Journal | Referee | - | |
| Clinical Science And Molecular Medicine | Referee | - | |
| The European Journal Of Neuroscience | Referee | - | |
| Neuroscience | Editor | - | |
| British Journal Of Pharmacology | Editor | - | |
| Neurobiology Of Aging | Referee | - | |
| Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Science | Referee | - | |
| Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis | Referee | - | |
| Neuropharmacology | Referee | - | |
| Faseb Journal | Referee | - | |
| Food And Chemical Toxicology | Referee | - |
Other Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Examiner of PhD thesis - Jerzy Woznicki (UCC) - July 2014 | |
Examiner of PhD thesis - Shane Hegarty (UCC) - Jan 2014 | |
Examiner of PhD thesis - Gerard Moloney (UCC) - Dec 2013 |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN1004 - The Anatomical Basis of Dental HygieneLecturer and Coordinator - AN1006 - Topographical Anatomy
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN2008 - Dental morphology, Histology and Embryology
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN3060 - Applied Neurology for Occupational Therapy
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN3061 - Applied Neurology for Speech and Language Therapy
Lecturer and Coordinator - AN4013 - Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
Lecturer - AN3013 - Neurobiology of Disease
Supervisor - AN3011 - Library Project
Supervisor - AN4010 - Research Project
Supervisor - RD4001 - Library Project
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | John-Mark Fitzpatrick | UCC | MSc |
Current Postgraduate Students
| Student | Degree Type | |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Alison | Masters Degree by Research |
Research Information
Internal Collaborators
| Name | Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Olivia O’Leary | UCC | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Justin McCarthy | UCC | IRELAND | |
| Prof. Ken O’Halloran | UCC | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Gerard Clarke | UCC | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Yvonne Nolan | UCC | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Gerard O’Keeffe | UCC | IRELAND | |
| Prof. John Cryan | UCC | IRELAND |
External Collaborators
| Name | Organisation / Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Orna O’Toole | Mercy University Hospital | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Aisling Ryan | Cork University Hospital | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Natalia Forsyth | Novartis | SWITZERLAND | |
| Dr. James Linden | Eireutica Ltd | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Niall Tubridy | St. Vincents Hospital | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Christine McCreary | Cork Dental Hospital | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Marnie Duncan | GW Pharmaceuticals | UNITED KINGDOM | |
| Dr. Joseph McKenna | Cork Dental Hospital | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Bruno Gran | Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham | UNITED KINGDOM |
Contact details
- Eric Downer
Lecturer - edowner@ucc.ie
- Anatomy & Neuroscience
University College Cork, Cork, IRELAND - +353-21-420-5481