Eric Downer

Background

About Eric Downer

I am an Associate Professor, Fellow & Associate Director of Research (School of Medicine) at Trinity College Dublin. I previously held a position as Lecturer in Anatomy & Neuroscience in UCC (2013-2015), where I was involved in teaching modules for Dental, Science, OT and Speech & Language Therapy students. I also acted as Director of the Biosciences Imaging Centre in UCC (2014, 2015). I was the Director of the Human Health & Disease (HHD) BSc programme at TCD from 2015-2024. I am currently involved in teaching Physiology to +600 Medical, Physiotherapy, Science, Radiation Therapy, OT and HHD students at TCD. My lab is interested in neuroimmunology, with emphasis on the role of the innate immune system in neuroinflammatory conditions. I have a particular interest in the cannabinoid system, and its role in regulating neuroinflammation. My research in this field has made significant contributions to the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies, particularly in Multiple Sclerosis. My research has been funded by: Irish Research Council Health Research Board Enterprise Ireland Physiological Society Industry Research Ireland Anatomical Society British Neuropathological Society Translational Research Access Programme. Publications: 54 papers (46 as senior author) 80+ conference proceedings I act as a reviewer for +20 journals, as Editor for several journals, and reviewer for several grant funders. Awards: Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Early Career Award (2009) Neuroscience Ireland Early Career Investigator Award (2013) Deans Teaching Initiative Award (2016) Recognized for the Provost’s Teaching Awards (2019, 2020) Recipient of the Provost's Excellence in Teaching Award (2021) Elected to Fellowship in Trinity in 2023. Twitter:@downerlab Publications, research and teaching: https://medicine.tcd.ie/physiology/staff/edowner/