Personal profile
Biography
Dr. Declan McKernan is an Associate Professor in Pharmacology. He has served as Course Director for the MSc in Neuropharmacology (2013–2023) and previously for the MSc in Toxicology (2011–2014). Dr. McKernan holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from University College Cork (2007), following a B.Sc. (Hons) in Industrial Biochemistry from the University of Limerick (2003), and completed postdoctoral research at the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, UCC (2007–2011). In addition to his scientific training, he earned a PGCert in Teaching and Learning and a PGDip in Academic Practice.
His research focuses on innate immunity, particularly the genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical regulation of pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs). He investigates their role in neuroinflammation, with applications to neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Dr. McKernan lectures in pharmacology and toxicology across undergraduate science and medicine, as well as postgraduate MSc programmes. He has supervised and co-supervised many PhD and MSc by research students. His research is widely published and available here via: PubMed, ResearchGate & Google Scholar.
Education/Academic qualification
B.Sc, Ph.D
Keywords
- RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
- Inflammation
- Psychiatry
- Neurodegenration
- Neuropharmacology
Accepting PhD Students
- Accepting PhD Students
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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The immune-modulatory potential of helminth-derived proteins in cellular models of inflammation: a systematic review with cross-study quantitative data analysis
Stucke, S., Feeney, A., Lalor, R., Donnelly, S., Dalton, J. P., McKernan, D. & Dowd, E., Dec 2026, In: Scientific Reports. 16, 1, 11957.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Behavioural, immunological and transcriptomic consequences of post-weaning social isolation and chronic celecoxib administration in mouse
Laighneach, A., Morris, D. W., Patlola, S. R., Improta, M., Desbonnet, L., Donohoe, G., Kelly, J. P. & McKernan, D. P., 22 Oct 2025, In: Plos One. 20, 10 October, e0334451.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Depressive and Negative Symptoms in the Early and Established Stages of Schizophrenia: Integrating Structural Brain Alterations, Cognitive Performance, and Plasma Interleukin 6 Levels
Corsi-Zuelli, F., Donohoe, G., Griffiths, S. L., Del-Ben, C. M., Watson, A. J., Burke, T., Lalousis, P. A., McKernan, D., Morris, D., Kelly, J., McDonald, C., Patlola, S. R., Pariante, C., Barnes, N. M., Khandaker, G. M., Suckling, J., Deakin, B., Upthegrove, R., Dauvermann, M. R. & Mc Kernan, D., Mar 2025, In: Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science. 5, 2, 100429.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open Access6 Citations (Scopus) -
Endocannabinoid system modulation for visceral abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Lane, R. M., Egan, L. J., McGuire, B. E., McKernan, D. P., O'Mahony, S. M. & Finn, D. P., 2025, In: HRB Open Research. 8, 40.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Evaluation of preclinical antipsychotic models used to support first-in-human clinical trials
Nguyen, T. V. H., McKernan, D. P. & Kelly, J. P., 2025, (Accepted/In press) In: British Journal of Pharmacology.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
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Priyadarshini Jayabal
Mc Kernan, D. (Primary Supervisor)
1 Apr 2026 → 31 Mar 2030Activity: Other › Postgraduates Supervised
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Center for Neuroimaging, Cognition and Genomics (NICOG) (Organisational unit)
Mc Kernan, D. (Chair)
2026 → …Activity: Membership › Membership of network
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European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (External organisation)
Mc Kernan, D. (Member)
2026 → 2029Activity: Membership › Membership of committee
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National Academic Integrity Network (External organisation)
Mc Kernan, D. (Member)
2026 → …Activity: Membership › Membership of network
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National Academic Integrity Network (External organisation)
Mc Kernan, D. (Member)
2026 → 2029Activity: Membership › Membership of network