SuperValu, Ireland’s leading grocery retailer, in conjunction with University City Cork’s School of Microbiology, presented the inaugural SuperValu Award for Excellence in Microbiology to a masters student at UCC, James O’Shea, in a ceremony on campus today.
James is studying Food Microbiology at UCC and was awarded the honour for his work to investigate the ability of food ingredients to modify the community of bacteria in the human gut, the microbiota. The potential health benefits of this research, particularly for the elderly, are highly relevant to the food industry.
Professor Gerald Fitzgerald, Head of UCC’s School of Microbiology, said, “The School of Microbiology has particular strengths in food microbiology, performing world ranking research in aspects relating to microbial food safety, food quality and preservation and the role of foods in modulating microbiota to promote good health. The development of expertise in this area is fundamental to the future growth of the Irish food industry.
James will also receive a bursary of €2,000 as part of his award to enable him to continue his work in this area. Ray Bowe, Head of Food Safety & Quality at SuperValu, said, “Research such as that being done by James O’Shea and his colleagues at the School of Microbiology at UCC will allow future SuperValu shoppers to continue to not only enjoy the highest quality products, but also take advantage of innovative new products with proven health benefits. This bursary is one element of our on-going investment in quality.”
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Nicole Balmaine
