Personal profile
Biography
Gerard Clarke is Professor of Neurobehavioural Science in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science and a Principal Investigator in APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork. His research interests include the impact of the gut microbiome on brain and behaviour across the life span, microbial regulation of tryptophan metabolism and translational biomarkers of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Gerard holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Chemistry, an MSc degree in Neuropharmacology (1999 and 2001; Both from NUI, Galway) and a PhD degree (2009) in Neurogastroenterology (Department of Psychiatry, UCC). He was included in Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Group Highly Cited Researchers list for 6 consecutive years from 2019-2024. He has recently co-authored a book titled Microbiota Brain Axis: A Neuroscience Primer which provides a framework for understanding microbial regulation of brain function and behaviour.
UCC Futures (primary)
- Food, Microbiome and Health
PhD Supervision
- Available for PhD supervision
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Correction: Microbiota is essential for social development in the mouse
Desbonnet, L., Clarke, G., Shanahan, F., Dinan, T. G. & Cryan, J. F., 9 Feb 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Molecular Psychiatry.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Hepatic tryptophan metabolism links chronic stress to liver cancer
Clarke, G., Keane, L. & Cryan, J. F., 19 Jan 2026, In: Nature Metabolism.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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The impact of dietary constituents on inflammation and cognitive function in healthy older Irish adults: A pilot study
O’Donoghue, C., Long-Smith, C., Harrington, J. M., Clarke, G., Timmons, S., Grabrucker, S. & Nolan, Y. M., 2026, (Accepted/In press) In: Nutrition and Health.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Acute stress enhances synaptic plasticity in male mice via a microbiota-dependent mechanism
Rosell-Cardona, C., Collins, M. K., O'Riordan, K. J., Goodson, M. S., Kelley-Loughnane, N., Cryan, J. F. & Clarke, G., 1 Aug 2025, In: Neuropharmacology. 273, 110434.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Acute stress-induced alterations in short-chain fatty acids: Implications for the intestinal and blood brain barriers
Rosell-Cardona, C., Leigh, S. J., Knox, E., Tirelli, E., Lyte, J. M., Goodson, M. S., Kelley-Loughnane, N., Aburto, M. R., Cryan, J. F. & Clarke, G., Jul 2025, In: Brain, Behavior, and Immunity - Health. 46, 100992.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access
Press/Media
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Study Reveals Role of Gut Metabolites in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pathophysiology
29/09/25
1 item of Media coverage
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Stress disrupts gut and brain barriers by reducing key microbial metabolites, study finds
Clarke, G., Cryan, J. F., Rosell Cardona, C. & Rodriguez Aburto, M.
5/07/25
1 item of Media coverage
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University College Cork Reports Findings in Anxiety Disorders (The Gut Microbiome in Anxiety Disorders)
25/04/25
1 item of Media coverage
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University College Cork Reports Findings in Science (Acute Stress Enhances Synaptic Plasticity in Male Mice via a Microbiota-Dependent Mechanism)
Clarke, G., Cryan, J. F., O'Riordan, K. & Rosell Cardona, C.
14/04/25
1 item of Media coverage
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University College Cork Researchers Add New Data to Research in Bifidobacterium (Bifidobacterium fermentation with infant formulas is associated with benefits for gut and brain barrier function)
Clarke, G., Cryan, J. F., Gunnigle, E., Rodriguez Aburto, M., Hill, C., Buttimer, C., O'Driscoll, M. & O'Driscoll, C.
25/02/25
1 item of Media coverage
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