About Kevin



Based in the Conway Institute at University College Dublin, I am a Senior Research Scientist in the UCD School of Medicine, working in genomics, and an Adjunct Lecturer in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, where I teach genome analysis.

I am a theoretical physics graduate of Trinity College Dublin, where I also undertook a masters in particle physics and a doctorate in genome evolution.

Genomics & Bioinformatics



My research focuses on studying genome evolution and organisation using model organisms and bioinformatics approaches. Species of particular interest have been the Saccharomycetaceae and methylotrophic yeasts, which are important systems for basic science and biotechnology.

I use high throughput analysis of genomic data, the development of visualisation and analysis platforms (e.g. the widely used Yeast Gene Order Browser (YGOB) tool) and both genome sequencing and transcriptomics to examine various aspects of the evolution of chromosome structure, gene order relationships and mating.

My list of publications includes articles in Nature, PNAS and other high impact journals.

Governance



I have an interest in governance, both in the higher education sector and in wider society, and have served in a variety of governance roles.

Currently I serve as an independent member of the audit and risk committee of a large higher education institution. I am a former council member of the IRCSET research funding agency. In 2020 I coordinated and drafted the open letter from 1,700 Irish scientists.

Civil Society & Politics



I have a long-standing involvement in leadership and governance in civil society. I served as a director of the European Movement for five years, with one year as its Secretary, reforming the organisation to make it fit for the modern era. Before that I ran a pro-EU referendum campaign.

Throughout this decade I have been advocating for a better Dublin. I was chair of one of the most active residents' groups in Dublin's historic core, and served as an external member of Dublin's Housing Strategic Policy Committee that develops and monitors housing and homelessness policies in the capital.

I am a member of the committee of the United Arts Club, which since its foundation in 1907 has been a meeting place for people with an interest in all aspects of the arts.

I contested the final election to Seanad Éireann from the Dublin University constituency.

With a collaborator I have published research looking at the roots of Irish political parties.