FutureNeuro investigators are co-leading a new European doctoral training network that will investigate why disrupted sleep is so closely linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, a connection whose biological basis remains poorly understood. 

The €3.6 million programme, DataGenChrono, is funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks scheme. It brings together expertise in genomics, data science, sleep and mental health across 12 partner organisations in Europe and Canada and will train 11 doctoral researchers over a four-year programme running from January 2027 to 2031. 

DataGenChrono is co-led by Prof Lorna Lopez and Prof Andrew Coogan, both FutureNeuro Investigators at Maynooth University. Prof Derek Morris, a FutureNeuro Investigator at the University of Galway, is also contributing to the programme. 

Strengthening FutureNeuro’s Expertise 

Of the €3.6 million awarded to DataGenChrono, €893,661 will support FutureNeuro investigators. 

The award also marks the addition of Prof Coogan and Prof Morris as FutureNeuro Funded Investigators, bringing new depth to the Centre’s work in sleep, circadian biology and psychiatric genetics. Prof Coogan is internationally recognised for his research on sleep and circadian rhythms, while Prof Morris is a leading authority on the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders, expertise that complements FutureNeuro’s existing strengths in genomics and AI-driven health research. 

Investigating the Sleep–Mental Health Connection 

Sleep is increasingly recognised as a key pillar of health alongside exercise and diet, with growing evidence that it plays an important role in protecting and promoting mental wellbeing. DataGenChrono will combine human genomics, artificial intelligence and large-scale health data to trace the genetic and biological pathways connecting the two. The insights generated are intended to lay the groundwork for new approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. 

Building Skills for the Future 

Alongside their research, the doctoral researchers will receive training in leadership, communication and project management, preparing them to tackle complex health challenges as they move into academia, healthcare and industry. 

Prof Lorna Lopez, FutureNeuro Principal Investigator at Maynooth University, said: 

“We need to advance our understanding of mental health, and to achieve this we need to train the very best researchers. That is why I am so excited about DataGenChrono. Our programme will equip PhD students with expertise in human genomics, data science, sleep, chronobiology and strategic science communication, alongside the AI and leadership skills needed to thrive in the future research landscape. 

“By 2030, our graduates will be ready to lead data-driven innovation across academia, healthcare and industry, helping to shape the future of mental health research. Supporting early career researchers is my favourite part of the job, and I am delighted to help this new generation develop into future research leaders.” 

Prof Andrew Coogan, FutureNeuro Funded Investigator at Maynooth University, added: 

“Improving sleep health has enormous potential to protect and promote mental health. This programme brings together outstanding collaborators from across Europe and Canada to train the next generation of researchers who will drive innovation in this important field. I am excited to be part of a programme that combines world-class research with the development of future leaders in sleep and mental health research.” 

DataGenChrono adds to FutureNeuro’s growing portfolio of EU-funded research, reinforcing its position at the intersection of genomics, AI and mental health.