Personal profile
Biography
I have expertise in microbial ecology, methanogenesis and bioprocess research, focused on: anaerobic biofilm reactor technology for biorefining, energy production and wastewater treatment; and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. I'm co-founder of GlasPort Bio (www.glasportbio.com).
I'm interested in collaboration and partnerships with academic colleagues and the private sector on mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and agri-industries and on anaerobic biofilm reactor technology for biorefining, energy production and wastewater treatment. I'm funded by Research Ireland, the Irish Environmental Protection Agency, Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU Commission. I'm a Funded Investigator in SFI BiOrbic, and scientific lead for the Sustainability Pillar of the Dairy ProcessingTechnology Centre.
I have supervised 29 PhD students to completion and I teach and learn microbiology and environmental biotechnology with undergraduate and postgraduate students at all levels.
Research Interests
Biofilm and microbial ecology. Methanogenesis. Anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic biofilm reactor technology for biorefining, energy production and wastewater. Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and agro-industries. I have a strong interest in translational aspects of research.
Teaching Interests
Microbial ecology, biogeochemical cycling, environmental biotechnology for wastewater treatment and biorefining. Mitigating the carbon footprint of agriculture.
Education/Academic qualification
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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 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation -
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy -
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth -
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 14 Life Below Water -
SDG 15 Life on Land -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions -
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Critical evaluation of prospective biorefinery configurations to deliver a circular, climate neutral economy
Martínez-Arce, A., O'Flaherty, V. & Styles, D., 19 Mar 2026, In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure) -
Inclusion of rapeseed cake or oil in the diet of beef cattle reduces enteric methane emissions without affecting animal performance.
NT, F., SM, W., Roskam, E., O'Flaherty, V. & DA, K., Feb 2026, In: Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
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Development and in-vitro assessment of novel oxygen-releasing feed additives to reduce enteric ruminant methane emissions
Graham, A., Thorn, C., McDonagh, M., O'Donnell, C., Nolan, S., Kirwan, S. F., O'Connor, S., Nzeteu, C. O., Montoya, A. C. V., Bartle, A., Hall, A., Abberton, C., Friel, R., Waters, S. M. & O'Flaherty, V., 1 Feb 2025, In: Science of the Total Environment. 963, 177598.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open Access5 Citations (Scopus) -
Effects of dietary supplementation with linseed oil, Ascophyllum nodosum or treated A. nodosum on animal performance, gaseous emissions, ruminal fermentation and microbiota, and meat quality in growing dairy beef bulls.
Roskam, E., DA, K., AK, K., Hayes, M., Palevich, N., PH, M., O'Flaherty, V., Biswas, A. & SM, W., Feb 2025, In: Journal Of Animal Science.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
6 Citations (Scopus) -
Electroactive taxa stabilise a metal overdosed syntrophic propionate oxidising methanogenic consortia
Silveira, K. A., Trego, A. C., Ramiro-Garcia, J., Lawless, C., Collins, G., Fermoso, F. G. & O'Flaherty, V., 15 Nov 2025, In: Environmental Research. 285, 122580.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Citations (Scopus)
Activities
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Emily Davis
O'Flaherty, V. (Primary Supervisor)
2024 → …Activity: Other › Current Postgraduates (Research) Supervised
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Somiame Okuofu
O'Flaherty, V. (Primary Supervisor)
2024 → …Activity: Other › Current Postgraduates (Research) Supervised
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Omobolanle Kalenikanse
O'Flaherty, V. (Primary Supervisor)
2024 → …Activity: Other › Current Postgraduates (Research) Supervised
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Julien Vincent
O'Flaherty, V. (Primary Supervisor)
2024 → …Activity: Other › Current Postgraduates (Research) Supervised
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Caroline ODonnell
O'Flaherty, V. (Primary Supervisor)
2024 → …Activity: Other › Current Postgraduates (Research) Supervised