School Research and Student Success Highlighted for World Wildlife Day 2026
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On 3 March, the United Nations marks World Wildlife Day (WWD), celebrating biodiversity and its vital role in sustaining life on Earth. The 2026 theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” aligns closely with research activity within the School of Food Science and Environmental Health.
Building on the wider University feature (see TU Dublin News), research led by Dr Tao Zhang, Lecturer and Programme Chair of Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies, focuses on natural product science and ethnopharmacology. His work examines how medicinal and aromatic plants, from traditional Chinese species to Irish native flora, can contribute to drug discovery, therapeutic innovation and sustainable health solutions.
Working collaboratively with Dr Elena-Alexandra Alexa, Assistant Lecturer in Food Safety Management, and Dr Esen Efeoglu, Assistant Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, this interdisciplinary research team integrates phytochemical profiling, chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis, and metabolomic approaches to evaluate antimicrobial and anticancer activities, alongside chemical variation in plant species.
A defining strength of this research area is the integration of undergraduate research. Several final-year projects, from BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Healthcare (TU875) and BSc (Hons) Nutraceuticals in Health and Nutrition (TU882), have led to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
Recent student contributions include:
- Alois Berisha, Rhys Walsh and Gavin Liu (TU875) – research on the biological significance of Lycium barbarum (1) & (2)
- Kin Aik Kok (TU875) – investigation of the insect-repellent properties of Irish bog plant Myrica gale
- Caitríona Mc Gearty (TU882) and Daniela Maslovska (TU882) – extraction methods and antimicrobial profiling of Cinnamomum cassia and Illicium verum
- Rebecca Clarke (TU882) – sustainable extraction and antimicrobial evaluation of Houttuynia cordata
- Ellie Nugent (TU875) – ecotype-driven metabolomic variation and antimicrobial properties of Mentha × piperita
These projects demonstrate how biodiversity research within the School not only supports conservation and innovation, but also provides students with meaningful analytical training and opportunities to contribute to scientific outputs.
From traditional medicinal knowledge to modern chemical validation, this work reflects the spirit of World Wildlife Day 2026 - highlighting how protecting plant biodiversity safeguards cultural heritage, advances therapeutic discovery and supports sustainable development.
For further details, please see the full TU Dublin University feature on World Wildlife Day 2026.