Research Engagement
The communication of research to the public and the engagement of the public are essential parts of research. Research engagement is a priority of the Family Genomics Research Group at Maynooth University.
FutureNeuro Townhall: A day of science, sport, and connection
The FutureNeuro Townhall took place on 11 September at the Explorium – National Sport & Science Centre in Dublin.
It was a fantastic opportunity for FutureNeuro members Jacob Kennedy and Giulia Gaggioni to connect with other people from across the network.
The afternoon began with A Year in Highlights presented by Prof David Henshall, FutureNeuro Centre Director. This was followed by a presentation from Dr Gary Brennan, Chair of the FutureNeuro EDI Committee, and an interactive workshop led by Dr Emma Dorris, Engaged Research Manager at UCD Research.
One key takeaway from the interactive workshop was the importance of keeping our language accessible and simple when explaining our work to the general public and patient groups. Equally important was the reminder to actively listen to their input, which can provide fresh perspectives and improve the relevance and impact of our research. We plan to bring these lessons back to the team, ensuring our projects are both inclusive and engaging for all stakeholders.
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Later, everyone joined a series of puzzle, sport, and science challenges. From solving the Hanoi Tower, and building earthquake resistant towers, to competing in the classic 1972 game of pong, the diverse array of activities and wonderful company to share them with at the Explorium made this townhall a stand out event. Thank you to the operations team at FutureNeuro and everyone who contributed to making such a wonderful day possible!
Genome for Ireland Launch – Reflections from a Researcher’s Perspective
On Monday, 28 April, Professor Lorna Lopez was invited to take part in the Genome for Ireland launch event, held at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). The event brought together researchers, clinicians, and members of the public to reflect on a central question: What is the value of public genome sequencing for science, medicine, and patients?
Lorna was invited to speak from a researcher’s perspective, highlighting the importance of advancing genomic research in Ireland and the transformative potential of this initiative for our understanding of complex conditions such as autism. At Maynooth University, our research group focuses on the genetic underpinnings of neurodevelopmental conditions and sleep, particularly through our FamilySleeps, FamilyGenomics and AmbientBD projects. Public genome sequencing can be a game changer for this work – enabling large-scale, inclusive research that reflects the diversity of Irish families.
A sincere thank you to Gianpiero Cavalleri, Laura Whelan, Tembi Fashina and the entire Genome for Ireland team for organising such a timely and important event. You can read more about the initiative here.
It’s an exciting time for genomics in Ireland – and frankly, about time too. These conversations are long overdue. As we mark World Autism Month and Autism Acceptance Month in April initiatives like Genome for Ireland remind us how critical it is to build research infrastructures that can meaningfully support all families.
Third Sensory Friendly Night at Maynooth University
At Maynooth University, we are passionate about making science accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our third Sensory Friendly Science Night was a delightful celebration of exploration and discovery, featuring a rich variety of hands-on experiments designed to engage young minds. Participants had the opportunity to extract DNA from bananas, peer through microscopes at fascinating specimens, examine real skulls, experiment with pH levels using colourful indicators, and create the popular "elephant toothpaste" – a bubbly demonstration that delighted both kids and adults alike.
This year, we welcomed 22 enthusiastic children, ages 5 to 13, who eagerly participated in these exciting activities. Our dedicated lab team members (Aung, Angeline, Carina and Enya) were instrumental in guiding the young explorers, ensuring a supportive and interactive environment for all. As the only university currently offering such a dynamic and inclusive event, we are hopeful about the prospect of collaborating with other institutions in the future to expand these enriching experiences.
Ambient-BD First Research Participant
Our first research participant, Aung Myat Phyo gets set up for sleep monitoring with research assistant and PhD student Seán Farrell in the Ambient-BD research study. This study is a led collaboratively with Dr Cathy Wyse and Dr Lorna Lopez in the Biology Department with Professor Andrew Coogan in the Psychology Department, and with The University of Edinburgh and TU Munich, funded by The Wellcome Trust.
Brain Awareness Week 2024
The Family Genomics Group produced two short videos for Brain Awareness Week and World Sleep Day 2024.
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Our first video showcases the work that our PhD students are undertaking in our lab, while the second video provides evidence-based tips for improving brain health through better daily practices.
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Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism
Dr Lorna Lopez joined the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism to discuss Autism Policy with Science Foundation Ireland on 31st January 2023.
Please follow this twitter link, Oireachtas Joint Committee meeting on Autism, to see the entire committee meeting.
An illustrated exploration of autism genomics research processes: Sample to Sequence
This next video of this series, 'An illustrated exploration of the genomics of autism,' discusses how biological samples are collected, processed and sequenced.
To find out more about this process, please watch our Sample to Sequence video.
An illustrated exploration of autism genomics research processes: Data Provenance
The first video of this series, 'An illustrated exploration of the genomics of autism,' discusses data provenance.
To find out more about a family's data journey in genomics research studies, please watch our Data Provenance video.
Women blazing a trail in STEM, perspectives from Sweden and Ireland
This year's St. Brigid's Day event celebrated Irish Women's achievements that reside in both Ireland and Sweden.
The Irish embassy in Sweden marked this day by hosting five speakers from Maynooth University and the Karolinska Institutet that discuss opportunities and remaining challenges for women in STEM.
UK Biobank
PhD student, Thomas Dinneen, hosted a workshop event for researchers that gathered experts and researchers in the field of biomedical science that use the UK Biobank.
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They discussed the important need for big data resources in Ireland and how they use this database for data analysis.
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Mental Health Educate
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland has created a Mental Health Educate website for youth and teachers that provides educational mental health resources through a range of animation series. Please keep scrolling to see the educational video Lorna helped contribute to for this series (Journey through the brain).
Dr Lorna Lopez interview
On International Women's Day 2019, to celebrate women in STEM, Dr Lorna Lopez spoke with Science Broadcaster, Jonathan McCrea.
Please watch if you wish to know more about one of our current projects funded by Science Foundation Ireland.
What's next in Autism genomics?
In 2019, Dr Lorna Lopez and Professor Louise Gallagher organized a research engagement event and invited families living with Autism.
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This highly successful event allowed participants to engage with researchers to discuss the importance of the community’s perspective and practical directions to make sure every phase of our research projects are more inclusive of the Autism community.
What is Autism genomics?
During Dr Lorna's Lopez's time in Trinity College Dublin, she hosted a public engagement event to communicate the advancement of Autism genomics research.
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Please play the video if you wish to know more about Autism genomics. To find out more about the talks given at this event, please visit the Autism Trinity Translational Medicine Institute webpage
Journey through the Brain