Personal profile
Biography
Yvonne Nolan is a Professor in Anatomy and Neuroscience and Group Leader at APC Microbiome Ireland. She leads a research team investigating the impact of lifestyle influences on gut health, brain plasticity and memory during and in Alzheimer’s disease. She is a recipient of two Science Foundation Ireland Investigator Awards (>€1M each), which are prestigious programme grants for leaders in the Irish Research Community. She was consortium lead on a European Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration (COEN) project and is currently partner on a European ERA4Health project under the ‘NutriBrain’ scheme. She was named on the ‘Best Neuroscience Scientist in Ireland’ list by Research.com 2025 based on citation-based metrics.
Yvonne was Vice Head of Graduate Studies in Medicine and Health (2020-2025), where she had strategic and educational oversight of all doctoral degrees in the health sciences. Notably, she broadened access and participation in doctoral studies by developing an Employment-based PhD Scholarship Programme for Health Science Professionals. The impact on student success was exemplified by her collaborative award for ‘Creating a Culture for Responsible Conduct of Research’ at UCC (2025), and nomination for a UCC Staff Recognition Award for Enhancing the Student Experience (2025). She was also awarded UCC’s Research Supervisor of the Year in 2016.
Yvonne graduated from NUI, Galway with a BSc in Biochemistry and a PhD in Neuropharmacology. She was a visiting fellow at McGill University Montreal, Canada and held postdoctoral positions in Trinity College, Dublin before joining UCC as academic staff.
Research Interests
Professor Nolan’s current research is focused on understanding the impact of inflammation and lifestyle influences such as exercise, stress and diet on brain plasticity, gut health, mental health and memory throughout the lifespan, especially during adolescence, middle age and in Alzheimer's disease. She is a cell, animal model and translational neuroscientist.
Research Grants
|
Funding Body |
Title |
Period |
Award |
Role |
|
ERA4Health Partnership : Health Research Board |
Lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive deficits in subjects with depressive symptoms. |
2025-2028 |
1,769,235 € (329,648) |
Consortium Partner (Lead in Ireland) |
|
German Research Foundation – Walter Benjamin Scholarship |
Mechanisms of the role of gut microbiota in biological sex-dependent differences in Alzheimer’s disease. |
2025-2027 |
48,000 € |
Lead PI |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
Investigation of the role of the GDF-15/GFRAL signalling axis in mediating neuroprotective effects in the presence of co-morbid diet-induced obesity and TBI |
2023-2027 |
371,217 € |
Mentor |
|
Irish Research Council |
Investigation of the benefits of exercise in Alzheimer’s disease: focus on the microbiota-gut-brain axis. |
2022-2026 |
110,000 € |
Lead PI |
|
NUI Travelling Doctoral Studentship |
Puberty, plasticity and positive growth: disentangling the mechanisms that drive biopsychosocial development during the adolescent transition |
2022-2026 |
106,000 € |
Co-PI |
|
Marigot Ltd |
Investigating the effects of a magnesium-rich marine mineral blend (MMB) on stress-induced changes in anxiety- and depression-like behaviour. |
2022-2025 |
75,000 € |
Co-PI |
|
Reta Lila Weston Trust |
Mechanisms underlying the role of gut-microbiota in exercise-induced changes in memory and mood in middle-age |
2021-2025 |
633,025 € (295,837) |
Co-PI (Lead in Ireland) |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
Unlocking the mechanisms underlying gut microbial regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis: Implications for cognitive and stress-related brain disorders |
2021-2026 |
479,720 € |
Collaborator |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
Mechanisms underpinning the interplay between chronic neuroinflammation and exercise on cognitive function during middle age |
2020-2025 |
1,081,247 € |
Sole PI |
|
Irish Research Council |
Inflammatory mechanisms underlying the negative effects of a cafeteria diet on brain and behaviour: exercise as a mitigating strategy |
2019-2023 |
72,000 € |
Lead PI |
|
National Forum for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education |
Harnessing the power of adolescent brain and behaviour for enhanced learning, wellbeing and student success |
2019-2020 |
30,000 € |
Co-PI |
|
Irish Research Council |
Inflammation and Anxiety in Young Adults: Mapping Associations and Intervention Opportunities |
2019-2023 |
96,000 € |
Co-PI |
|
National Forum |
Connecting the DOTS – Developmental Opportunities in Transitions for Students |
2020 |
1,000 € |
Co-PI |
|
College of Medicine & Health, UCC |
Investigating the Neurological effects of Musical Training in Children with Down Syndrome |
2019-2020 |
5,000 € |
Co-PI |
|
School of Medicine Translational Access Programme, UCC |
Diagnosis of response in glioma patients through sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid derived circulating tumour DNA, microRNA, and characterisation of plasma derived extracellular vesicles. |
2018-2019 |
9,950 € |
Co-PI |
|
Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration Pathfinder Award |
Gut microbes, Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease: determining the immunoregulatory role of gut microbiota on brain and behaviour |
2018-2020 |
610,548 € (154,101) |
Lead PI & Consortium Lead |
|
Irish Research Council |
Role of gut microbiota in lifestyle-induced changes in brain homeostasis and peripheral immune status. |
2018-2020 |
91,846 € |
Lead PI |
|
Marigot Ltd |
Examination of the cognitive enhancing potential of seaweed-derived mineral-rich nutraceuticals in aging. |
2016-2017 |
38,667 € |
Sole PI |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
Examination of the cognitive enhancing potential of seaweed-derived mineral-rich nutraceuticals. |
2013-2017 |
156,492 € |
Sole PI
|
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
The nuclear receptor TLX as a cell intrinsic regulator underlying inflammation and stress-induced changes in hippocampal neurogenesis: relevance to cognitive disorders. |
2013-2018 |
1,082,494 € |
Lead PI |
|
Molecular Medicine Ireland |
Characterisation of cognitive deficits in the alpha-synuclein rat model of Parkinson’s disease. |
2013-2016 |
32,100 € + fees |
Co-PI |
|
Federation of Neuroscience |
“Healthy Brain Aging – Tús Maith Leath na hOibre” (A good start is half the work) |
2016 |
900 € |
Lead PI |
|
British Neuropathological Society |
Neuropathological characterisation of human post-mortem MS lesions. |
2014-2015 |
6,300 € |
Co-PI |
|
Health Research Board |
Neuropathological analysis of MKP-1 in post-mortem human Multiple Sclerosis tissue. |
2013 |
2,000 € |
Co-PI |
|
IRCSET |
Transcription factor regulation of dopaminergic neural stem cell fate in an inflammatory environment |
2010-2013 |
72,009 € |
Lead PI |
|
College of Medicine & Health, UCC |
The role of MKP1 in the survival and functional integration of dopaminergic neurones |
2009-2012 |
66,120 € |
Lead PI |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
The role of the IL-1 type 1 receptor in the life, death and differentiation of adult hippocampal neural precursor cells |
2008-2012 |
221,003 € |
Sole PI |
|
IRCSET |
Deciphering the role of Wnt signalling on inflammation-induced changes in hippocampal neurogenesis. |
2007-2010 |
72,009 € |
Sole PI |
|
Wellcome Trust |
The role of MKP1 in inflammation-regulated differentiation of embryonic stem cells. |
2009 |
1600 € |
Lead PI |
|
Marigot Ltd |
Examination of an anti-inflammatory potential of Aquamin |
2008 |
9,950 € |
Sole PI |
|
Vasogen Inc |
Effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the fate of embryonic hippocampal neural precursor cells. |
2005-2008 |
48,000 € |
Lead PI |
|
IRCSET |
The role of inflammation and p38 in 6-OHDA-induced dopamine neuronal death – implications for Parkinson’s disease |
2004-2008 |
63,960 € |
Lead PI |
|
Vasogen Inc |
Analysis of the anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective effects of novel phospholipids-based drug formulation in models of Parkinson’s disease |
2004-2008 |
348,741 € +salaries |
Lead PI |
Recent PhD Students
|
Student Name |
Supervision Period |
Project Title |
Role |
|
Caitriona Long |
2004-2008 |
The role of inflammation and p38 in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopaminergic neuronal death – implications for Parkinson’s disease. |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Aoife Keohane |
2005-2010 |
Effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the fate of embryonic hippocampal neural precursor cells |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Holly Green |
2008-2012 |
Deciphering the role of Wnt signalling on inflammation-induced changes in hippocampal neurogenesis |
Sole Supervisor |
|
Sinead Ryan |
2008-2013 |
The role of the IL-1 type 1 receptor in the life, death and differentiation of adult hippocampal neural precursor cells |
Sole Supervisor |
|
Louise Collins |
2009-2013 |
The Role of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1 in Neurotoxic and Inflammatory-Induced Changes in the Development of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons: Relevance to Parkinson’s Disease |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Justin Yssel |
2012-2016 |
The anti-inflammatory actions of noradrenergic agents as a target to prevent neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease. |
Co-supervisor |
|
Erin Dolan (Crowley) |
2013-2017 |
Non-motor symptoms in the AAV-α-synuclein rat model of Parkinson’s disease: exercise as a therapeutic intervention |
Co-supervisor |
|
Ciaran O’Leime |
2013-2017 |
Investigating the regulatory role of the nuclear receptor TLX in IL-1β-induced changes in hippocampal neurogenesis. |
Lead Supervisor |
|
James O’Leary |
2013-2017 |
Adolescence as a Vulnerable Period for the Effects of Intrinsic & Extrinsic Regulators of Neurogenesis on Cognitive Behaviour. |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Danka Kozareva |
2013-2018 |
Novel insights into the role of hippocampal TLX in neurogenesis, neuroinflammation and behaviour in adolescence and adulthood. |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Audrey Dempsey |
2019-2022 |
Learning Strategies, Academic Motivation, Mindset, Perceived Stress and Well-Bering of First-Year Undergraduate Anatomy Students. |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Minke Nota |
2019-2024 |
Inflammatory mechanisms underlying the negative effects of a cafeteria diet on brain and behaviour: exercise as a mitigating strategy. |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Sebastian Dohm-Hansen |
2021-2025 |
Multi-omic analysis in the hippocampus, serum, and CSF in response to inflammation, middle age and exercise |
Lead Supervisor |
Current PhD Students
|
Student Name |
Supervision Period |
Project Title |
Role |
|
Maria Giovanna Caruso |
2021-2026 |
Mechanisms underlying exercise regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and related behaviours in adulthood and middle age |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Susan Burke |
2023- |
Investigation of the neuroimmune interplay between obesity and traumatic brain injury |
Co-supervisor |
|
Jennifer Cooney |
2019-2026 |
inflammation and anxiety in young adults: mapping associations and intervention opportunities |
Co-supervisor |
|
Zoe Williams |
2022- |
Investigation of the benefits of exercise in Alzheimer’s disease: focus on the microbiota-gut-brain axis |
Lead Supervisor |
|
Ketki Mulay |
2022- |
Role of gut bacterial metabolites and histone deacetylases in prebiotic- and stress-induced changes in emotional behaviour, cognition, hippocampal neurogenesis |
Co- supervisor |
|
Jenna O’Shea |
2022- |
Puberty, Plasticity, and Positive Growth: Disentangling the Mechanisms That Drive Biopsychosocial Development During the Adolescent Transition |
Co-supervisor |
|
Amiee Cronin |
2023- |
The role of the gut microbiome in hippocampal neurogenesis and associated behaviours during transitionary periods of female life. |
Co-supervisor |
External positions
Women in Pharma Awards judging panel
2026 → …
Member, Educational Committee, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology
2023 → 2029
External Examiner, MRes Biomedical Sciences and MSc Biomedical Sciences, University of Glasgow
2023 → 2027
UCC Futures (primary)
- Future Ageing and Brain Science
Other research affiliations
- UCC Futures - Food, Microbiome and Health
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 4 Quality Education
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Downregulation of dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) in post-mortem brain white matter in progressive multiple sclerosis
Oró-Nolla, M., Sun, M. C., Reilly, T., Anandarajah, J., Otálora-Alcaraz, A., Costelloe, L., Kearney, H., Magee, R., Nolan, Y. M. & Downer, E. J., 12 Mar 2026, In: Neurological Sciences. 47, 4Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Exercise induces changes in tryptophan metabolism by gut microbes associated with hippocampal function in adult rats
Caruso, M., Dohm-Hansen, S., Williams, Z. A. P., English, J., Lavelle, A., Nicolas, S., O'Leary, O. & Nolan, Y., 10 Mar 2026, In: Brain Medicine.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Expanding the Proteomics and Metabolomics Toolkit with Methods for Differential Expression Analysis from Transcriptomics
Dohm-Hansen, S., Caruso, M. G., Nicolas, S., Scaife, C., O'Leary, O. F., Nolan, Y. M., Lavelle, A. & English, J. A., 6 Mar 2026, In: Journal of Proteome Research. 25, 3, p. 1253-1264 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Outcomes of the lifestyle on microglial aging and neurodegenerative diseases along the aging trajectory: diet and the gut-brain axis
Nolan, Y. & Nicolas, S., 19 Feb 2026, Microglial Aging: Basic, Translational and Clinical Advances. Tremblay, M.-E. (ed.). Academic Press, p. 95-138Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedings › Chapter › peer-review
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Rasal1: A candidate exercise mimetic to increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis in middle age
Nolan, Y., Caruso, M. G., Dohm-Hansen, S., Nicolas, S., English, J., Lavelle, A., Lucassen, P., Mul, J. & O'Leary, O., 13 Feb 2026Research output: Other output
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Mind Me Mind You: Healthy Habits for the Developing Adolescent
Hunt, E. (Speaker) & Nolan, Y. (Speaker)
29 Jan 2020Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
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Older and Wiser: Child and adolescent brain development.
Nolan, Y. (Speaker)
2019Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
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Inflammation and exercise shaping hippocampal structure and cognitive function.
Nolan, Y. (Speaker)
2019Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
-
Chronic hippocampal inflammation and cognitive decline: neurogenesis-mediated mechanisms.
Nolan, Y. (Speaker)
2019Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
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INSTRUMENTAL Introducing New Strategies of Teaching NeuRoscience Using Music to enhance EducatioN Through creAtive Learning.
Mcmullan - Glossop, E. (Speaker) & Nolan, Y. (Speaker)
2019Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
Press/Media
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Five ways to improve midlife brain fog – and Sudoku isn’t one of them
19/06/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
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Five ways to improve midlife brain fog – and Sudoku isn’t one of them
19/05/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media