SuperValu recognises achievements of UCC food microbiology student

University College Cork microbiologist James O’Shea has won the inaugural SuperValu Award for Excellence in Food Microbiology for his research on bacteria in the human gut.

Studying for a Masters in Food Microbiology, James is engaged in a study with a view to developing health-promoting foods with particular benefits for the elderly. As part of his award, he will receive a bursary of €2,000 to continue his work in investigating the ability of food ingredients to modify the community of bacteria in the human gut, the so-called microbiota.

Professor Gerald Fitzgerald, head of UCC’s School of Microbiology, said: “The school has particular strengths in food microbiology, performing world-ranking research in aspects relating to microbial food safety, food quality, and preservation and the role of foods in modulating microbiota to promote good health. The development of expertise in this area is fundamental to the future growth of the Irish food industry.”