Research
In the six years since its launch, UCD-CFS is now recognized as an academic centre of excellence in food safety research within IFH. The centre has developed close collaborations with global Irish food companies, regulators and other stakeholders. In particular UCD-CFS is recognized for its work in two thematic areas:
- providing research leadership towards the development of better controls to reduce the impact and risks to neonatal health arising from the emerging infant pathogen Cronobacter
- its contribution towards a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms associated with the development of multi-drug resistance in zoonotic pathogens including Salmonella and Campylobacter.
UCD-CFS has been highly successful in attracting substantial research funding since 2002. During that period, the centre has been awarded over € 20 million in research contracts from both public and private sources. This investment has enabled the centre to create a local laboratory infrastructure that is modern and capable of conducting cutting-edge research. Currently, the centre supports a research staff of six postdoctoral fellows and eight postgraduate students.
AREAS OF RESEARCH
Cronobacter spp.
Zoonomics
Clostridium difficile surveillance
Antimicrobial surveillance
Biocide Resistance
Campylobacter
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Antimicrobial resistance, efflux mechanisms and molecular typing of Salmonella spp
Physical Decontamination Technologies to Enhance Poultry Safety and Quality
Emergence of pathogens with resistance to biocides in use in the food industry
Isolation and characterisation of Enterobacteriaceae from the infant formula food chain
