Kerry based researcher, Dr Joanna Tierney from the Dept of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research, Munster Technology University (MTU) Kerry Campus was presented with the MTU Commercial Invention of Year at this year’s virtual ceremony.

The MTU Invention of the Year awards is an annual event that takes place as part of Innovation and Enterprise month at MTU. The awards recognise and acknowledge the work and effort that staff have put into their invention declarations during 2021 and to encourage researchers to engage in the research commercialisation process.

Dr Tierney’s work on the control of coccidiosis in poultry, funded by an Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund, earned her the award. Coccidiosis is caused by Eimeria protozoan parasites and is an important disease in poultry and neonates in animal farming. It causes diarrhoea, weight loss, emaciation, and in extreme cases, death. The invention employs natural, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, immune-modulating and anti-oxidant activities as an alternative to the current industry treatments in use today for coccidiosis control.

Huge Congratulations Joanna!!