Dr Thomas Thompson Selected for Young Academy Ireland
Dr Thomas Thompson, Research Fellow within the School of Pharmacy, has been named among 21 new members of Young Academy Ireland, the prestigious all-island network of early career researchers convened by the Royal Irish Academy.
The appointment recognises Dr Thompson's growing impact in the field of antimicrobial resistance research, an area of critical global concern. Young Academy Ireland brings together outstanding early career researchers and innovators from across the island of Ireland, providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement and policy influence. Members are selected for the excellence of their research as well as their commitment to making science and scholarship accessible and relevant to wider society.
Dr Thompson's research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, chronic infection and biofilm tolerance, which are areas that sit at the intersection of pharmacy, microbiology and public health. Biofilms, which are structured communities of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and resist conventional treatments, represent one of the most persistent challenges in modern healthcare. His work seeks to develop new approaches to tackling these resilient infections, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on health systems.
The Royal Irish Academy, founded in 1785, is Ireland's leading body of experts in the sciences and humanities. Its Young Academy, established to amplify the voices of the next generation of research leaders, plays an increasingly important role in shaping public discourse on science, innovation and education across the island.
The 2026 cohort of Young Academy Ireland members gathered at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.
Dr Thompson said:
"I'm delighted to join Young Academy Ireland. The biggest challenges in health and science do not sit neatly within one discipline, so I'm really looking forward to learning from colleagues in other fields and contributing to the kind of collaboration and public engagement that can make a real difference."
His selection reflects the School of Pharmacy's broader commitment to nurturing researchers whose work extends beyond the laboratory to address pressing societal challenges. The School has established a strong reputation for research that bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries, and Dr Thompson's membership of Young Academy Ireland further strengthens its connections to national and international networks of research excellence.
Professor Gavin Andrews, Head of the School of Pharmacy at Queen's, said:
"We are extremely proud of Thomas and this well-deserved recognition from the Royal Irish Academy. His selection for Young Academy Ireland is a testament to the quality and relevance of his research on antimicrobial resistance, which addresses one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time. It also reflects the School's commitment to supporting early career researchers who are driving forward interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful public engagement."
Dr Thompson joins a distinguished cohort of new Young Academy Ireland members drawn from institutions across the island, spanning disciplines from the sciences and engineering to the arts and social sciences. His appointment further underscores Queen's University Belfast's strength in producing researchers of the highest calibre who are making a tangible difference both nationally and internationally.
Thomas Thompson
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