We are pleased to announce that Tyndall secured three awards at the recent UCC Research and Innovation Awards.
Early-Stage Researcher of the Year (Joint Winner with Dr Kian Mintz-Woo)
Dr. Sanathana Konugolu Venkata Sekar achieved outstanding research success in 2024, earning one of Europe’s most prestigious ERC Starting Grants for his project NOBIAS, which tackles skin colour bias in optical health devices. As one of only seven Ireland-based recipients, he is pioneering a novel Time Domain Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy method to ensure accurate, equitable health monitoring across all skin tones. In addition to his academic research, he co-founded BioPixS, a UCC-Tyndall spin-out that commercialises standardised optical phantoms for medical device calibration. In 2024, BioPixS expanded globally, launching new products and forming international collaborations. His leadership, innovation, and mentorship earned him UCC’s Early-Career Researcher of the Year award.
Research Supervisor of the Year (Joint Winner with Professor Guangbo Hao)
In 2024, Brian Corbett made a profound impact in photonics through exceptional research leadership and mentorship. He co-authored 24 scientific papers with his students, many in top-tier journals, and supported the launch of the spin-out company Vivid Photonics, showcasing his commitment to innovation and commercialisation. Brian also organised specialised workshops to enhance skills in heterogeneous integration and laser technologies, nurturing talent from PhD students to interns. With over 150 publications and four patents, his efforts have significantly advanced photonics research and education, earning him recognition as a transformative and entrepreneurial supervisor.
Invention of the Year
INFANT Research Centre/Tyndall
Raman for Lactate: Ray Burke, Dr Simon Toft Sorenson, Dr Jason Yang, Dr Rekha Gautam, Dr Huihui Lu – Tyndall; Professor Fergus McCarthy – Medicine/INFANT
In a groundbreaking collaboration led by Professor Fergus McCarthy at Cork University Maternity Hospital and supported by researchers at Tyndall, a new device using Raman spectroscopy has been developed to measure fetal blood pH during labour. This real-time monitoring tool aims to detect oxygen deprivation early, potentially reducing unnecessary C-sections and preventing hypoxic brain injuries. Backed by Enterprise Ireland and set for commercialisation through the UCC spinout pHetalsafe, the technology promises to significantly enhance maternal and neonatal healthcare outcomes globally.
Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall, said:
I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the Tyndall winners at UCC’s Research and Innovation Awards. We are very proud that their accomplishments have been recognised and they are a testament to the unique research environment, world-class infrastructure, and calibre of researchers at Tyndall.
Professor John F. Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation at UCC said:
We are delighted to celebrate the award recipients of this year’s UCC Research and Innovation Awards. Our awardees’ achievements reflect the exceptional research and innovation culture that exists across the UCC campus. The quality of nominations was outstanding and speaks to the creativity, commitment, and impact of our research and innovation community. These awards not only honour individual excellence but also highlight how UCC research and innovation continues to lead and inspire on both a national and international stage.
