Dr. Helen Sheridan featured on Silicon Republic

Speaking with Jenny Darmody from Silicon Republic after the Trinity Innovation Awards 2021, Assoc. Prof. Helen Sheridan discusses her work harnessing the medicinal power of Ireland’s boglands and explains the importance of citizen science.

Assoc. Prof. Sheridan is leading a project entitled ‘Unlocking Nature’s Pharmacy from Bogland Species’ which aims to identify potential therapeutic and commercial uses of native Irish bog plants, bog waters and the microbiome of unique bogland species.

A major element of the work that Sheridan does involves citizen scientists. This includes the launch of a new transition year module on the boglands and biodiversity, supporting engagement in national science competitions, and having people from all over the country collecting samples and generating data for her research programme.