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You are here Programmes > Postgraduate > PhD in Political Science > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Before applying, research topics.

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Course Structure

Application process, when is the deadline for phd applications for the september 2022 entry.

The deadline for admissions for entry in September 2022 is 1 April 2022.

How competitive is admission to Trinity’s PhD programme in Political Science?

The admissions process is very competitive - we admit fewer than 10% of our applicants. We certainly encourage you to apply to other PhD programmes if you wish to be sure of admission to a programme.

What sort of qualifications do I need to be admitted to the PhD programme? Do I need a Master’s degree or a previous degree in Political Science to apply?

There are no absolute requirements for admission to the PhD programme. We look for promise of academic excellence in Political Science in the round. We admit both students with and without Masters Degrees, and with and without previous degrees in political science. We encourage applications from prospective students with a wide variety of backgrounds.

What are the English language requirements for the students who do not speak English as their first language?

Regarding English language requirements, the programme follows the standardised requirements set by the Graduate Studies Office .

How do I apply?

If you would like to apply for the PhD programme, please apply via the Courses section of the TCD website.

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What sort of topics can I study in the PhD programme for Political Science at Trinity?

Look at the web pages of academic staff in the department and see the research topics that they focus on, or at the Department's research page . Staff interests cover a wide variety of topics, but many staff have an interest in different aspects of the politics of European integration and in party politics, and of course in Irish politics. You would be wise to apply for a topic which matches the interests of at least one member of our staff.

Are there any guidelines for the research proposal to be submitted with an application?

We recommend a 2-3 page research proposal, identifying a research question on the basis of the existing scholarship addressing the topic. A shorter research proposal is often better than a longer one. We know of course that applicants have not yet been properly trained in research design, so that we do not expect perfection in applicants' research proposals, but we do expect evidence of reading and assessment of at least some of the existing scholarship. You may also wish to include a writing sample, such as a chapter of an undergraduate or Masters thesis. The Department may contact applicants to ask them to provide such a writing sample if available.

Should I contact one of Trinity’s academic staff before applying?

You are invited to contact Trinity’s academic staff with a short email outlining your academic background (your degrees, your grades) and a brief indication - one paragraph should be enough - of your research proposal/interest. That will ensure that this staff member is aware of your application when the department meets to discuss applications and admissions.

Can I expect an academic staff member to review my research proposal in advance of my application?

We regret that we do not review research proposals before applications are submitted.

Do graduates of Trinity’s PhD in Political Science frequently follow an academic career?

Yes, to learn more have a look at our Former Post-Graduate Students webpage.

Financial Support and Scholarships

Does the department support applicants who are applying for support from the china scholarship council (csc).

Yes - we welcome applications from those who are seeking support from the China Scholarship Council. Please contact the member of staff who has a research interest that matches the proposed research project, and if both sides deem it suitable, we will support your application to the CSC. View Trinity’s guide to CSC applications . Please remember that applications must be made both to Trinity and to the CSC itself, and that deadlines are early. In the first instance, you should approach a suitable supervisor in the Department by email with a brief description of your proposed project so that we can start considering whether Trinity offers a good match for your research interests. View a list of our staff .

What financial package does Trinity offer to PhD students in Political Science?

In recent years, the Department of Political Science has ensured that all entering PhD students have their fees paid and generous stipends provided, whether by Trinity or by an outside funding body. As part of admission and in return for financial assistance, the Department expects all PhD students to participate in teaching Trinity’s undergraduate courses , which provides postgraduates with valuable professional training for the job market.

What do I need to do to be considered for financial aid when I apply?

All applicants (both EU and non-EU) are considered for financial aid as part of the process of considering admission, no special application is needed.

Can I start the PhD programme in January?

We admit new PhD students only in September because of the structured nature of the first two years of the programme.

Can I pursue the Trinity PhD programme in Political Science on a part-time basis?

The Political Science PhD programme is available on a full-time basis only.

Can I pursue the Trinity PhD programme in Political Science through distance learning?

Students must expect to be resident in Dublin throughout the PhD programme at Trinity, except for any necessary field trips agreed with supervisors.

How should reference letters be submitted?

All applicants are asked to provide the names and email addresses of two referees in the online application system. Upon the successful submission of the application, the system will automatically send emails to the referees that will include a link through which they can submit their reference letters. We strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to ensure that your referees have ample time to upload their letters. If we do not receive your reference letters within a week of the application deadline, we will not be able to process your application in a timely manner.

Where can I find the application materials?

Please see the PhD Admissions section of this website , and the Graduate Studies website .

I have an offer of a place from another PhD programme and I need an early decision from Trinity. What can I do?

We do not make early decisions and all applicants are notified at the same time in May/June.

How and when will I hear the results of my application?

Trinity College’s Graduate Studies Office will write informing students of the results of their applications, within approximately eight weeks of the application deadline.

Can I ask for feedback on my unsuccessful PhD application?

We regret that we cannot offer feedback on unsuccessful applications to the PhD programme.

Prospective applicants can contact the Course Administrator or Course Director of the PhD programme, Dr Alexander Held

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

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School of Mathematics

You are here Courses > Postgraduate > MSc and PhD by research

Postgraduate study in the School of Mathematics

The School is small and the setting is informal which encourages close contact with staff, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars and fellow postgraduate students. The workshops and guests of the School's Hamilton Mathematics Institute, TCD in addition to its joint seminars with the School of Theoretical Physics of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies and TCD's three neighbouring universities provide a stimulating intellectual backdrop to a student's stay at TCD.

There are no formal course requirements for those pursuing a degree by research, but research students are expected to participate fully in appropriate seminars. Prospective students are expected to have achieved at least a II.1 degree and to have the necessary background to pursue advanced study in their chosen field of research. For an M.Sc. candidate the focus is on writing a substantial thesis that takes account of previously published results but which falls short of the originality expected of a Ph.D. thesis. Following evidence of initial work on a thesis topic an M.Sc. candidate may apply to transfer to the Ph.D. register after the first year. For research degrees, the range of topics is limited by the expertise and availability of supervisors within the School. See the topics below.

The college handbook on postgraduate research can be found here and provides many details regarding research masters and PhD programmes. The regulations governing postgraduate studies are found in Part III of the College Calendar .

Entry Requirements

Postgraduate work in Trinity College Dublin is very academically challenging and as a result the University has high academic entry requirements.

Applicants will need to hold:

• at least a 2.1 honors degree from an Irish university or equivalent result from a university in another country
• a fluent command of the English language

Some courses may require higher standards or require you to take further tests or attend an interview.

Postgraduate Research Degrees

All students undertaking a research degree are assigned to a single principal supervisor. The supervisor’s role is essentially that of an academic guide and mentor.

If you plan to carry out your degree by research, you are advised to contact the School of Mathematics with your research proposal and arrange a suitable supervisor before submitting your application. You should initially consult the School website for further information.

Virtually all research students are initially placed on the Masters register. They may then transfer to the Ph.D. register if their progress has been satisfactory. Such transfers usually occur during the second year of full-time study.

Confirmation to the PhD registry

The confirmation to the PhD registry should occur within the first 18 months from a student's first enrolment, namely, by the end of September for students who started in March, and by the end of February for those who started in September.

The confirmation procedure serves to ensure that you are making sufficient progress on your PhD research and to give you a head start in writing your thesis.

For confirmation to the PhD registry, students are required to:

• Write a 20-page report on their work. Students are advised to discuss their report with their supervisor before submitting it to the director of postgraduate studies. Their report should be finalised approximately one month before the 18-month period, at the very latest.
• Give a short (approximately 20-minute) talk on their research, after submitting their report to their supervisor, another academic (the reader) and the director of postgraduate studies.
• Complete the 5-credit Blackboard module on Research Integrity and Impact, ideally within the first 6 months.

Viva-voce presentations

Here is the list of steps that PhD students and their supervisors are required to follow as they organise the viva-voce.

• Complete the "Intention to submit" form at least 1 month (and preferably 7 weeks) prior to the submission date for the thesis (which is listed below).
• Submit the "external examiner application form" 10 weeks before the viva voce.
• Submit the thesis to the Academic Registry at least 9 weeks before the viva voce.
• If electronic submission is chosen, as recommended, the thesis will be sent directly from the Academic Registry to the external examiner.
• Internal and External examiners should receive guidelines for filling in the relevant forms: a pre-viva form (one for each examiner) and a post viva form, which one of the examiners (usually the internal examiner) completes and sends to the Academic Registry.

Research Topics

Pure mathematics.

• Algebraic Geometry
• Complex analysis and geometry
• History of Mathematics
• Partial Differential Equations

Theoretical Physics

• Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics
• Quantum Field Theory
• String Theory

Research in High-Performance Computing

• Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing

Further Details

• Postgraduate Awards
• Practical Information

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

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School of Psychology

Postgraduate, course listing.

The School has a variety of research activities spanning a diverse range of areas. The School is prominently associated with five research groups in the College: the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, the Children’s Research Centre, the Trinity College Centre for Global Health, the Trinity College Research Centre for Psychological Health and the Trinity College Centre for Innovative Human Systems.

Within the three years, the course provides an intensive and systematic programme of training, equipping each student to meet the challenges facing clinical psychology and to make a unique contribution to the Irish Health Services.

This intensive full-time course provides professional training in Counselling Psychology and is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. Admission is on a yearly basis for approximately 12 to 14 students.

These online courses are relevant to safety critical industries across the globe and focuses on people already in work, who have responsibility for managing: risk; change; safety; quality; planning; system design.

The course is designed to provide students with a thorough appreciation of issues in applied psychology, knowledge of the skills required to apply psychology effectively, and a detailed understanding of their chosen focus of application.

The MSc in Global Mental Health is an exciting new programme granting students the knowledge and skills to pursue global mental health careers that bridge governmental, non-governmental, humanitarian work, and academia.

The Masters of Philosophy in Psychoanalytic Studies offers graduates a thorough introduction to the history, theory and applications in clinical work and in the wider culture of psychoanalysis from Freud to modern writers in this broad field.

This is an intensive full time course which aims to ensure that students become efficient in the practical application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis, with particular regard to persons with autism and other developmental disabilities and/or children and adolescents in care or special programmes, and/or those clients presenting learning and/or behavioural challenges in school.

The M.Sc. / P.Grad. Diploma in Clinical Supervision part-time course is aimed at practitioners in the helping professions who normally hold an honours degree in psychology or a related field and relevant post-graduate experience.

The purpose of the course is to provide a pre-professional qualification in psychology, which confers eligibility for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and allows a student to proceed to postgraduate training, including higher degrees by research, and to specialise in an area of professional psychology.

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School of Nursing & Midwifery

View the contact page for more contact and location information

School of Nursing & Midwifery

You are the Future of Healthcare

Strategic Plan 2023-2030

Athena Swan

Nursing and midwifery at trinity college dublin.

A warm welcome to the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin. As the leading school of nursing and midwifery in Ireland, we are committed to the provision of a first rate educational experience for the high quality students that we serve. The School is ranked 26th in the world in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024. We are proud to offer a wide range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate  level.

A warm welcome to the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin. As the leading school of nursing and midwifery in Ireland, we are committed to the provision of a first rate educational experience for the high quality students that we serve. The School is ranked 26th in the world in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024. We are proud to offer a wide range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Latest News

Faculty of Health Sciences Dean's Awards 2024

Staff from the School of Nursing & Midwifery were celebrated at the Faculty of Health Sciences Dean’s Awards which took place on Thursday, 23 May 2024.

24 May 2024

Inaugural Lecture at Queen's University Belfast by Prof Mary McCarron

Prof Mary McCarron was delighted to host her Inaugural Professorial Lecture at Queen's University Belfast on Tuesday 21st May 2024.

23 May 2024

Trinity College Dublin Ranked Number One for Nursing in Ireland and in the Top 50 Worldwide

Trinity College Dublin ranked globally in the top 50 universities for Nursing by the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

10 Apr 2024

Research Impact Case Studies

Hear from our Students

Low-paid PhD students: ‘I work three part-time jobs to make ends meet living in Dublin’

Despite their vital role in higher education, many survive on less than €10,000 a year.

Caren Crofton, originally from India now living in Dublin, during a recent postgraduate protest at Leinster House, Dublin. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

The third-level sector, and the wider economy, depends on PhD researchers. They provide vital support to academics. They produce important research for the public and private sectors, allowing for breakthroughs in science and technology, innovations in law and business, and deeper understandings of society and culture. Their fees are a vital source of income for higher education institutions, and the number of PhD students in each institution impacts on their all-important ranking.

Yet most PhD researchers live below the poverty line and with no assurance that their work and doctorate will lead them out of precarious employment. Less than a third will receive a form of funding, but many survive on less than €10,000 or less per year. Humanities scholars, in particular, struggle to find the same level of support as those working in science, technology or engineering.

PhD researchers have a simple and consistent demand. Over the past 15 years they have lobbied and fought to be treated as workers, with access to the same rights – including pensions and maternity leave – of all workers.

But successive governments and university administrators, knowing that this group of campaigners will wash through the system, have usually been able to wait them out. In recent years, however, the Postgraduate Workers’ Organisation (PWO) has steadily been putting in place a structure that may ensure it lasts as a lobbying organisation.

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Meanwhile, almost all Opposition parties have supported their demands, ratcheting up the political pressure on the Government.

Earlier this year the PWO published research into the conditions of PhD researchers in Ireland. The report – Workers in all but name, pay and conditions – suggests moving away from treating PhD researchers merely as students in receipt of an education and towards a model that recognises them as workers that higher education cannot function without.

On foot of a call-out on X (formerly Twitter), The Irish Times received dozens of stories from PhD researchers. The majority asked not to be identified. Several themes emerged: subsistence wages; lack of sick leave or maternity leave; a sense of precarity and delayed adulthood with researchers staying at home and putting off having their own family.

A recent protest organised by the Postgraduate Workers Organisation of Ireland. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien

“My funding is €9,000 per year, including teaching work and grading of hundreds of assignments,” said one. “I am a full-time PhD researcher with three part-time jobs in order to make ends meet living in Dublin. I find myself with little time for writing in this, my final year, so I am not going to make my deadline.”

[  University researchers protest for improved pay and worker status  ]

Many PhD researchers say that there is more than just financial pressure, and that they are at the mercy of their supervisors.

“The workload demanded of me and a fellow PhD student was extreme, and at times we were working over 50 hours a week, including evenings and weekends,” says one researcher who recently completed their PhD. “We tried to speak up for ourselves, but nothing improved.”

“Precarity only increases after the PhD,” says one who lived at home to receive her doctorate. “I am putting off trying to get pregnant because my PhD fellowship – and every postdoctoral contract I’ve had – has little to no provision for adequate maternity leave.”

For disabled students, meanwhile, there are further barriers.

“I scramble to afford living and the cost of doing my PhD,” says one disabled student. “Disabled people spend so much time looking after and maintaining our health, proving our disability, filling out forms, that we often need to do part-time PhDs, but these have no flexible funding options. We have extra living expenses, too. I need to do a PhD to update my skills, and to gain the knowledge that could allow me flexible, part-time work. I want to get out there, contribute to society and pay tax, but we are not properly supported to go back into the workplace.”

Conor Reddy, president of the PWO, says the increased cost of living has put huge pressure on postgraduates and PhD researchers.

“I started a research assistant job in human immunology in 2019,” he says. “The pay, though not great, was slightly better than my PhD stipend. I found it difficult to survive during the PhD, living in five places in five years and being exposed to precarity, insecurity and rent pressure. Many of us are faced with having to move home in our 20s or 30s.

“Over the last 10 years, research has become dependent on the labour of PhD researchers, with most working on several projects at once, while carrying out that day-to-day research,” Reddy says.

His PhD looked at how the stress and trauma of homelessness could affect the human immune system and potentially diminish vaccine protection.

“PhD researchers are essential to research output and our work has huge economic and social benefits, but we are undervalued.

“Many are employed in term time only, finding themselves out of work and signing on for the summer; in at least one case, this has gone on for 17 years. This flexibility has become important to the universities on an ideological level, and the Government is reluctant to scrap the austerity-era employment control framework [which restricts hiring at third-level].”

Why stick around to be treated like this, though? Many bright minds choose not to pursue a PhD, and many drop out, says Reddy.

A recent PhD protest from Trinity College Dublin to Leinster House, organised by Postgraduate Workers Organisation of Ireland. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien

“About halfway through, I was ready to throw in the towel. But we care so much about our work and research questions, and it is easy to take advantage of us. It is disingenuous to say that we are just students: we are workers.”

Senator Alice Mary Higgins has put forward legislation on the issue.

“This precarity drives people out of academia, reduces diversity and leads to less of the creative thinking we need to tackle challenges,” she says.

“When people are on insecure and short-term contracts, it also mitigates against the deep and long-term research we need, and against independence of thought, too. It is ludicrous that the employment control framework remains in place, especially at a time of such massive change in higher education.”

[  PhD stipend increase is ‘step one’, Harris says  ]

Responding to the increased pressure from researchers, Budget 2023 saw an increase in funding for students in receipt of funding from the Irish Research Council or Science Foundation Ireland by €500. The Government also increased the funding level for postgraduate grants on a one-off basis.

Simon Harris , Minister for Further and Higher Education, has said that there will be further increases, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the stipend reaches €25,000, the level recommended by a national review last year.

Separately, Harris has said the Government is “committed to ensuring that researchers have the right skills development and career opportunities to allow them make their maximum contribution”.

PhD researchers in Europe: how Ireland compares

“Many European countries offer employment rights for PhD researchers,” says Rory O’Sullivan, a PhD candidate in Ancient Greek and one of the authors of the Postgraduate Workers Organisation report on the status of PhD researchers across Europe.

“The expected stereotype might be that it’s only the Scandinavian countries that offer rights, but this is not the case at all: Latvia, Estonia and the Netherlands are among the countries with much better conditions.”

And the worst, according to his research? “Ireland, Italy and Greece,” says O’Sullivan.

Austria: Some researchers have contracts, some have grants, with an average of €2,300 a month, with health and social insurance.

Denmark: All PhD researchers have employee status and contracts, with a salary equivalent to civil servants with a master’s degree.

Italy: No employee status for PhD researchers, but part of the scholarship goes to the national pension fund. Status relatively similar to Irish PhD researchers.

Latvia: Recently overhauled its PhD structures to draw in more researchers, with state salaries replacing the scholarship model.

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Doctoral Studies (PhD)

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Programme Overview

Aimed at graduates with an excellent academic background in business or an area relevant to their chosen field of research, our PhD programme is a key part of our research culture and has a global reputation for excellence and facilities that are second-to-none. It is designed for those who intend to pursue a career in academia, business education, research, consultancy or related professions.

We offer an excellent taught programme in the first and second years of the PhD so as to properly equip you with the skills to undertake your own research. Guided by a specifically designed Research and Professional Development Programme, you can plan and organise your coursework and research activities over the course of your studies.

Our campus setting in Blackrock is home to around 50 doctoral researchers originating from a wide variety of countries, who are less ‘students’ and more early professionals partaking in a research education of the highest quality. As a doctoral student, you are encouraged to develop your own research ideas and preferred methodology under the close guidance of a senior academic colleague.

Scholarships and Awards

UCD CSC Scholarship – available to Chinese students studying at postgraduate level.

PhD Scholarship

Please note that scholarship candidates are also required to apply to the Business School independently.

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Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

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You are here About > News

Nature's Treasure Trove

20th may 2024.

NatPro, Trinity’s Centre for Natural Product Research at Trinity College Dublin, is pleased to launch the ‘Nature's Treasure Trove’ innovative infographic series running over seven weeks to educate and engage people on the significant contributions of natural products to various sectors, including medicine, food production, and cosmetics.

We will take you on a journey from the sea to the land, from Egypt to the bogs of Ireland, as we explore themes such as 'Nature’s Pharmacy', 'Waves of Opportunity', 'Building a Bioeconomy', and 'Life’s Guilty Pleasures'. This series will highlight familiar and impactful examples from nature, looking at their earliest roots to their modern-day impact and new innovations.

The series aims not only to raise awareness but also to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of natural products and their roles in our daily lives.

Nature's Pharmacy

Life's Guilty Pleasures

Waves of Opportunity

Natural Beauty

Marvelous Materials

Food for Thought

Building a Bioeconomy

Nature’s Pharmacy Theme One

The first theme we are exploring as part of our ‘Nature's Treasure Trove’ infographic series is 'Nature’s Pharmacy'! This exciting theme delves into how natural compounds have played a pivotal role in transforming healthcare and medicine. Over the centuries, nature has provided an abundant source of medicinal substances that have saved countless lives and improved the quality of health worldwide.

This week, we will focus on three remarkable examples that illustrate the profound impact of natural compounds on modern medicine. First, we'll explore the story of penicillin. Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, penicillin is often hailed as one of the greatest advancements in medical history. This powerful antibiotic, derived from the Penicillium mould, has revolutionised the treatment of bacterial infections and has saved millions of lives since its introduction.

Next, we will examine aspirin, another cornerstone of modern medicine. Derived from the bark of the willow tree, aspirin has been used for centuries as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. Its discovery and development into the drug we know today is a fascinating journey that showcases nature's incredible ability to provide effective remedies for various ailments.

Finally, we will highlight lovastatin, a groundbreaking compound in the fight against cardiovascular disease. Lovastatin, a natural statin found in fungi, has significantly lowered cholesterol levels and reduced the risk of heart disease for millions of people.

Through these examples, we aim to shed light on the incredible potential of nature's pharmacy and its ongoing contributions to healthcare.

Penicillin - An antimicrobial miracle

Discover the fascinating journey of penicillin, an antimicrobial miracle that revolutionised medicine. From its serendipitous discovery by Alexander Fleming in 1928 to its life-saving role during World War II, this infographic explores the impact and ongoing challenges of this remarkable antibiotic.

By Professor Niamh O Boyle

Dr. Niamh O'Boyle is an Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin, specialising in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Her research focuses on drug development for hard-to-treat cancers and skin allergy mechanisms. Supported by various prestigious grants, she actively publishes in peer-reviewed journals and holds two patents. She is passionate about outreach and education.

Annual value source here

Image sources

• Center image 1928 PENICILLIN from Leo Reynolds
• Image of Professor Alexander Fleming via Encyclopædia Britannica
• WW2 Aadvertisement for penicillin production from Life magazine, August 14, 1944

Lovastain - A fungal fortune

Lovastatin, from moulds to a heart health revolution, lovastatin's journey showcases the power of natural compounds in modern medicine. Celebrate this remarkable advancement in lowering cholesterol.

By Professor John Walsh

Professor John J. Walsh,Associate Acadaemic Director, NatPro, holds a BA and PhD from TCD. Joining the School of Chemistry in 1997, he leads drug design programmes for cancer, malaria, and allergies. He has secured funding from multiple sources, published extensively, supervised numerous students, and served as an external examiner. John advocates for research-led teaching and holds several patents.

Aspirin - Nature’s cure for a broken heart

Aspirin is fascinating due to its ancient roots, dating back over 4,000 years when cultures like the Celts and Greeks used willow bark for pain relief. Beyond pain relief, aspirin reduces inflammation, prevents blood clots, and manages heart conditions. Learn more about its origins and why it has become one of the most versatile and important drugs in modern medicine.

By Mark Lyons

Mark Lyons is a Panoz Pharmaceutical Innovation PhD Scholar, currently in the third year of his PhD at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science at Trinity College Dublin. He completed his undergraduate in the school of Pharmacy at Trinity in 2021 and is a registered pharmacist.

• Druid image from Cassell’s History of England, Vol. I unknown artists
• Image of Dr Felix Hottmann via Bayer // Global
• Image of Bayer Asprin bottle courtesy of Science History Institute

Life’s Guilty Pleasures Theme Two

The second theme we are exploring as part of our ‘Nature's Treasure Trove’ infographic series is 'Life’s Guilty Pleasures'! This delightful theme highlights how some of our favourite indulgences not only bring joy but also offer surprising health benefits. Over centuries, coffee, chocolate, and red wine have become beloved staples in many cultures, celebrated for their rich flavours and complex histories.

This week, we will focus on these three indulgences that illustrate the remarkable intersection of pleasure and health. First, we'll delve into the world of coffee. Legend has it that an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi discovered coffee when he noticed his goats dancing after eating red berries. From these humble beginnings, coffee has become a global phenomenon, offering not just a caffeine kick but also potential benefits in reducing the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s.

Next, we will savour the story of chocolate. Originating over 3,600 years ago with the Olmecs and later revered by the Mayans and Aztecs as the “Food of the Gods,” chocolate has transformed from a bitter, spiced drink into the sweet treat we enjoy today. Dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to improved heart health and enhanced mood.

Finally, we will raise a glass to red wine. With origins dating back to 6,000 BC in modern-day Georgia, red wine has been celebrated by ancient civilizations and linked to religious rituals. The “French Paradox” in the 1990s suggested that moderate red wine consumption might explain France's low heart disease rates despite a rich diet. Compounds in red wine, like resveratrol, are believed to offer cardiovascular benefits, making it a delightful and potentially healthy indulgence.

Through these examples, we aim to showcase how life’s guilty pleasures, rooted in nature, can offer both enjoyment and health benefits.

Coffee - A cup of magical beans

Ever wonder why coffee makes you feel like you can conquer the world? Legend has it that a goatherd named Kaldi discovered coffee when he saw his goats dancing around after eating some red berries. From keeping Yemeni Sufis awake during prayers to being declared halal and spreading across the globe, coffee has a storied past. And guess what? Modern research says it might even help with type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s!

By Khadijah Jabal

Khadijah Jabal is a postgradute student at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science at Trinity College Dublin suprvised by Professor John Walsh.

• Image source of Kaldi from EHL unknown artists

Chocolate - A sweet antidote for life's bitter moments

Discover the fascinating history and surprising health benefits of chocolate in this week's 'Nature's Treasure Trove'. From ancient Mesoamerican rituals to modern sweet indulgences, explore how chocolate has delighted and benefited humanity for over 3,600 years.

By Bashaer Alsharif

Bashaer Alsharif is a postgradute student at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science at Trinity College Dublin suprvised by Professor Fabio Boylan.

• Image source of Kaldi from Wikipedia Enamel sign advertising Fry's Chocolate, pre-1925

Red wine - More than just a glass of juice

Discover the intriguing history and surprising health benefits of red wine in this week's 'Nature's Elixirs'. From ancient religious ceremonies to modern health studies, explore how red wine has enriched and benefited humanity for thousands of years.

Excessive alcohol intake can lead to serious health issues, including liver disease, heart problems, and addiction. Pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those taking specific medications should avoid alcohol. Always drink in moderation.

By Professor Theo Ryan

Professor Theo Ryan is a registered practising pharmacist, dividing his time between the School and community pharmacy. He holds a B.A. and Ph.D. from Trinity College Dublin, and an M.Pharm from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. His research focuses on Pharmacy Practice, medication safety, and pedagogical development

• Image source of Bacchus from Wikipedia Bacchus im vatikanischen Museum

Waves of Opportunity Theme Three

The third theme in our ‘Nature's Treasure Trove’ infographic series is 'Waves of Opportunity'! This theme uncovers marine resources with vast potential for innovation and human benefit.

First, we explore marine invertebrates. These creatures, covering over half of all life on Earth, are a treasure trove of bioactive compounds. For example, cone snail venom has led to powerful painkillers, and sponges have inspired novel cancer treatments.

Next, we dive into carrageenan. Extracted from red seaweed, carrageenan has been used since 600 BC for food thickening. Today, it’s a staple in food production, pharmaceuticals, and household products.

Finally, we examine microalgae. With over 40,000 species, these organisms have applications in sustainable food production, renewable energy, and medicine. Historically used by the Aztecs, microalgae are now researched for their potential in various innovative fields.

Through these examples, we aim to showcase how the ocean’s resources, rooted in nature, can offer both practical benefits and innovative solutions.

Invertebrates - Sponges, snails and science

Marine invertebrates, which thrive in the vast expanse of our oceans, are a treasure trove of astonishing bioactive compounds. These remarkable spineless creatures, constituting 92% of marine biodiversity, hold the key to groundbreaking medical advancements. Imagine the venom of the slow-moving cone snail, harbouring conotoxins that have revolutionised pain management with painkillers far more potent than morphine. Or consider the humble sponge, whose simple structure has led to the discovery of novel cancer treatments and antiviral drugs. The extraordinary diversity of these marine organisms highlights their crucial role in the quest for new and effective medicines, making the ocean a true wellspring of opportunity.

By Professor Helen Sheridan

Helen Sheridan BSc, Professor in Pharmacognosy at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Director of NatPro, Trinity Centre for Natural Products Research. With over 100 publications and €19 million in grants, she advances new therapies through interdisciplinary research in natural product chemistry.

Carrageenan - Nature's gift to foood formulation

From its origins in 600 BC China to its discovery in 5th century Ireland, carrageenan has become a vital thickening agent in numerous products. Beyond food, it clarifies beer, binds toothpaste, and serves the pharmaceutical industry. Explore its fascinating journey and modern applications.

Bashaer Alsharif is a postgradute student under the supervision of Professor John Walsh, Associate Acadaemic Director, NatPro, in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Trinity College Dublin

• Image source of Bacchus from Smithsonian Early advertisement for sea mossr

Microalgae - Medicine, food and Hitchcock

• Image source of Bacchus Santa Cruz Sentinel Newspaper article 18th Aug 1961

Nature's Beauty Theme Four

The fourth theme in our 'Nature's Treasure Trove' infographic series is 'Natural Beauty'! This captivating theme highlights the remarkable natural ingredients that have been cherished for centuries for their beauty-enhancing properties.

From the soothing aloe vera, revered since ancient times for its skin-healing benefits, to the versatile beeswax, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties and use in cosmetics, and the nourishing coconut oil, prized for its moisturising abilities in both skincare and haircare, we explore how nature's gifts have become integral to our beauty routines. Join us as we delve into these natural treasures and their enduring appeal in the world of beauty.

Aloe Vera - A succulent salve

Aloe vera, a succulent with a rich history, has been valued for its soothing and healing properties since ancient times. Originating in the Arabian Peninsula, it was used in Mesopotamia for its laxative effects and in Egypt and Greece for skincare. Today, its gel is celebrated for its ability to hydrate, heal, and soothe the skin.

By Ruth Kelleher

Beeswax - Thank you to the bees

Beeswax, a natural marvel produced by honeybees, has been treasured for centuries. Initially white, it darkens to a golden hue and has been used since ancient Egypt for mummification and Roman times for moulds and candles. Today, beeswax is prized in cosmetics for its moisturising, skin-softening, and anti-inflammatory properties.

By Fiona Hedigan

In 2020, Fiona Hedigan was awarded a scholarship from the Irish Research Council for a four year PhD to conduct research into the use of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for stress and anxiety.

Hedigan's research is an exploration of the intricate biochemical interactions that unfold between the compounds inherent in essential oils and the receptors present within the human body and she recently published a paper titled ‘Benefit of inhalation aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for stress and anxiety in a clinical setting.’ Her research delves into the olfactory system, where the aromatic molecules in the oils trigger responses in the brain, and their potential impact on our emotions, stress levels and cognitive function.

Collaborating with experts in the medical and practical arena, she aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary science. Her work is the embodiment of multidisciplinary research.

Coconut oil - Oil from the tree of life

Coconut oil, extracted from the "tree of life," has been used for over 5,000 years. Originating in Southeast Asia and Oceania, it was essential in cooking and Ayurvedic health practices. Today, it's prized in cosmetics for its moisturising properties, benefiting hair and skin, although it can block pores.

Marvelous Materials Theme Five

The fifth theme in our 'Nature's Treasure Trove' infographic series is 'Marvelous Materials'! This intriguing theme explores natural materials that have shaped human history and continue to revolutionise modern technology.

From the luxurious silk, valued for millennia and now finding new applications in medicine and technology, to the versatile latex, with its extensive uses from wound healing to bone regeneration, and the ubiquitous cotton, a staple in textiles with a rich history and broad utility, we uncover the incredible stories and ongoing innovations of these materials. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of these marvellous materials and their enduring impact.

Cotton - The king of fibres

Cotton, often hailed as the "king of fibres," has a rich history stretching back over 5,000 years to the Indus River valley. Its resilience and versatility have made it a staple in textiles, from ancient garments to modern denim. Today, cotton continues to be a vital fabric, valued for its comfort, durability, and multifunctional uses in everything from clothing to homeware. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey and enduring significance of cotton in our 'Nature's Treasure Trove' infographic series.

Nature's silk - Unveiling high-tech potential

Silk, cherished for its luxurious texture and beauty, has been a symbol of opulence since its origins in China around 3,600 BC. Beyond its use in fashion, silk is now being explored for its innovative applications in medicine and technology. From ancient trade along the Silk Road to modern biomaterials, silk continues to captivate and inspire. Join us in our 'Nature's Treasure Trove' infographic series as we uncover the fascinating history and high-tech potential of this marvellous material.

By Dr Rajiv Borah

Dr Rajiv Borah primary research focuses on development of silk based injectable electroconductive hydrogel for spinal cord regeneration application. He obtained MSc (Nanoscience and Technology) in 2013 and Ph.D. in Physics (Materials Science) in 2018 from Tezpur University, India.

Resin and Latex

Latex, a versatile natural substance, has been valued since ancient times for its wide range of applications. Originating from plant exudates, latex is used in everything from wound healing and bone regeneration to everyday products like gloves and balloons. Today, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties continue to make it indispensable in medicine and industry. Join us in our 'Nature's Treasure Trove' infographic series as we explore the fascinating history and modern uses of latex and resin.

By Dr Zeeshan Anwar

Food for Thought Theme six

The sixth theme in our 'Nature's Treasure Trove' infographic series is 'Food for Thought'! This theme delves into the fascinating world of natural ingredients that not only nourish us but also play vital roles in various industries and scientific advancements.

From soybeans, rich in protein and versatile in use, contributing to everything from tofu to biofuels, to cochineal, a tiny insect that produces a brilliant red dye used in food and cosmetics, and yeast, a microorganism essential in brewing, baking, and bio-pharmaceuticals, we explore the multifaceted benefits of these natural wonders. Join us as we uncover how these ingredients are integral to our daily lives and broader global innovations.

Soybean - The king of beans

Welcome to the world of soybeans, the versatile king of beans! Revered for over 3,000 years, soybeans have been a dietary staple and a source of innovation. From their origins in ancient China, where they were declared one of the "five sacred grains," soybeans have spread globally, becoming a key ingredient in diverse cuisines and modern industries. Whether it's tofu, soy sauce, or even biodiesel, soybeans are integral to our culinary and sustainable futures. Join us as we explore the incredible journey and multifaceted benefits of this remarkable legume in our 'Nature's Treasure Trove' series.

Cochineal - A world in red

Welcome to the vibrant world of cochineal, nature's extraordinary source of red dye! Harvested from tiny insects found on prickly pear cacti, cochineal has been used since ancient Mesoamerica to produce the brilliant carmine red. This remarkable dye coloured the textiles and artworks of the Mayans and Aztecs and later captivated European royalty and artists. Today, cochineal continues to add vivid hues to food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Join us in our 'Nature's Treasure Trove' series as we delve into the fascinating history and enduring significance of this unique and powerful natural dye.

By Professor Fabio Boylan

professor Fabio Boylan, Associate Acadaemic Director, NatPro, Associate Professor in Pharmacognosy, is a pharmacist with particular interest in the areas of ethnopharmacology (encompassing natural products isolation, analysis of herbal medicinal preparations and the validation of their pharmacological activities) and chemotaxonomic analysis. Transdisciplinarity is applied to his approach to teaching and researching. Currently Dr. Boylan is the Director for Global Engagement, International Liaison, and the Erasmus+ Coordinator with the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, TCD.

• Image source from The Garden of Midgaard Mexican indian collecting cochineal with a deer’s tail” Ramirez 1777

Yeast - Beer, bread and beyond

Welcome to the fascinating world of yeast! This remarkable microorganism has been a cornerstone of human civilisation, transforming brewing and baking since ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Yeast's ability to convert sugars to alcohol and leaven bread has been harnessed for millennia, yet its potential reaches far beyond the kitchen. Today, yeast is pivotal in biofuel production, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and in biopharmaceuticals, producing essential medicines like insulin and vaccines. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of yeast, from ancient brewing vats to cutting-edge scientific innovations

By Professor Ursula Mary Bond

Dr. Ursula Bond, a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin, graduated from TCD with a degree in Biochemistry and earned a PhD in Molecular Biology from Washington University, St Louis. She conducted post-doctoral research at Yale University before returning to TCD as an academic in the Department of Microbiology.

A world leader in industrial yeast genetics, Dr. Bond has published seminal papers and researched the genomes of Lager Yeasts, adaptive evolution, and RNA biogenesis in yeasts. She has secured 21 research grants, with funding totalling 15.67 million euros, and currently leads an EU Horizon 2020 project on yeast genetics and flavour production.

About the editor, Mark Lyons