Dr. Helen Hughes obtained a B.Sc in Analytical Science from Dublin City University in 1990 and stayed on in the Chemistry Department for her Ph.D. under the supervision of Prof. Han Vos. Her Ph.D. studies were on the synthesis, characterisation, photophysical and photochemical properties of Ruthenium (II) bipyridyl complexes with 1,2,4-triazine ligands. Following her Ph.D. she worked as a trainee quality manager in Waterford Foods and as a research scientist in Gerard Laboratories, Dublin. Her work experience in the pharmaceutical industry also includes working as an analyst in Schering Plough, USA and Bristol Meyers Squibb, Dublin.

In 1994 Helen was appointed to a lectureship in inorganic chemistry and quality management in Waterford Institute of Technology. In this period of time, her research career has expanded in a number of different areas. One of her interests lies in the use of Molecular Imprinted Polymers for separation science and for novel drug delivery methods in ocular systems. She also carries out extensive research in the use of seaweed for bioremediation of metals and as potential antibiotic and antimicrobial agents for use in foodstuffs. Her research in conjunction with Dr. Fiona Regan at Dublin City University involves the investigation of the properties of organogermanium complexes as potential chemotherapeutic agents. These complexes are produced synthetically and are also extracted naturally from food sources.

Since joining WIT, she has obtained approximately €4 million in research funding to date, including national and European sources. She has successfully graduated students at both MSc and PhD level. Collaborative projects between Genzyme Ireland Ltd., Merck, Sharp and Dohme and Bausch & Lomb have been successfully developed. This research experience in WIT includes being a founding member of the Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre in WIT.  She has also acted as External Examiner for various MSc theses.

Contact:  Dr. Helen Hughes
Tel:  051 834047  or  Email:  hhughes@wit.ie

Last updated: Tuesday, Jun 9, 2009