Our Mission
At FutureNeuro, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse research environment where all individuals—regardless of background, identity, or ability—feel valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that excellence in research is driven by diverse perspectives, and we actively work to embed EDI principles into all aspects of our work. Our mission aligns with FutureNeuro’s broader goal: Faster Diagnosis, Personalised Treatments, and Patient-Centred Care.
Our Vision
We envision a research culture that champions equality and inclusivity at every level. FutureNeuro aims to set the standard for an equitable research environment where barriers to participation are removed, diverse voices shape innovation, and all members feel a true sense of belonging. This vision is rooted in our commitment to enabling people with neurological disorders to live independently.
Our Values
- Inclusion: Ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
- Equity: Creating fair opportunities for all members to thrive.
- Diversity: Recognizing and embracing different perspectives.
- Respect: Fostering an environment of mutual understanding and collaboration.
- Accountability: Embedding EDI principles into our policies and practices.
Our Goals
Our EDI Committee works to:
- Create a Respectful, Inclusive Culture by fostering a safe and positive work environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. This includes supporting institutional initiatives such as RCSI’s Speak Out reporting tool and staff induction programs that reinforce our EDI culture.
- Develop an EDI-Educated Workforce by providing access to training, mentorship, and educational initiatives that deepen understanding and engagement with EDI issues. We build on existing institutional knowledge across FutureNeuro’s eight partner institutes.
- Implement EDI-Informed Engagement by ensuring our public and patient engagement (PPE) and education activities align with inclusive best practices and are accessible to diverse communities, including those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Meet the Committee
Our EDI Committee is made up of researchers, staff, and students from across FutureNeuro. Each member brings valuable perspectives and expertise to help drive meaningful change. This committee is chaired by Dr Gary Brennan.
Dr Gary Brennan
Gary is a FutureNeuro Funded Investigator and an assistant professor in the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences in the Conway Institute at UCD. He is also the Chair of EDI in SBBS and recently led the School's successful Athena Swan Silver Application. As Chair of the FutureNeuro EDI Committee he hopes that we can foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all FutureNeuro members. Outside work, he enjoys binge watching tv and gentle strolls with his dog, Doug!
Dr Ifeolutembi Fashina
Ifeolutembi is a Postdoctoral Researcher at RCSI, specialising in the genetics of rare and severe epilepsies. She is passionate about improving access to resources and guidance for early-career researchers and believes that fostering collaboration—both within and across institutions—is key to building a more inclusive research environment. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and aerial sports.
Dr Chris Greene
Chris is a FutureNeuro StAR Lecturer and group leader specialising in neurovascular biology. As a member of the EDI Committee, he is committed to promoting better working conditions, mentorship and recognition for early career researchers. Outside work, he enjoys cooking, collecting records and going to concerts.
Prof Robert Forster
Robert is a FutureNeuro Principle Investigator and a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Dublin City University and was elected to the Royal Irish Academy in 2020. He has mentored over 45 PhD graduates and 70 Post-Doctoral Fellows, and co-authored successful proposals for several research centres, including FutureNeuro. With over 250 publications, he has been a Visiting Scientist at Caltech and UC Berkeley. His research focuses on transition metal complexes, conducting polymers, plasmonic nano-structures, and ultrafast electrochemistry with applications in biomedical sensors.
Karina Carey
Karina is a research officer, overseeing the Centre’s reporting & finance activities. As a founding member of the EDI Committee, she is committed to developing and implementing the FutureNeuro EDI policy and Action plan with a view to fostering a diverse, inclusive culture in FutureNeuro. She enjoys yoga and spending time with family & friends.
Sujithra Srinivas
Sujithra is a second-year PhD candidate researching N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent RNA modification in post-transcriptional gene regulation, with a focus on developing innovative therapies for neurological disorders like epilepsy. Passionate about inclusivity in STEM, she advocates for equitable opportunities regardless of gender or background. Outside the lab, she enjoys hiking, cycling, and experimenting with global cuisines in the kitchen.
Jacob Kennedy
Jacob is a FutureNeuro PhD Student. His research focuses on the genetics of complex neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. His support for EDI is in part driven by his own experience with these conditions. As part of the EDI committee, he seeks increased collaboration with participants, participant guided research, and improving participant accessibility to this research. Outside of work Jake enjoys hiking and reading.
Dr Hugh Kearney
Hugh is a FutureNeuro Funded Investigator, and a a neurologist who researches multiple sclerosis (MS). He is interested in clinical translation of research findings. As a member of the EDI committee, he is keen to promote the use of the Irish language in scientific communication.
Bridget Doyle
Bridget is the Centre Manager at FutureNeuro, leading the Operations team that provides essential support for all researchers. With a diverse background across various industry sectors, she is encouraged by the strides made toward gender equality in the workplace. She is equally passionate about fostering further progress to ensure women can thrive in research careers at every stage of life. Outside work, Bridget is a keen road cyclist and sea swimmer.
Dr Amaya Sanz Rodriguez
Amaya is the Laboratory Manager at FutureNeuro, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the RCSI lab. Her role includes managing lab safety and compliance, supporting biobanking and animal research protocols, and onboarding and training students and staff. She is passionate about making public engagement more inclusive and plays a key role in bringing our Cell Explorers initiative to disadvantaged schools and supporting outreach events with the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI). Outside the lab, Amaya enjoys hiking with her family and gardening.
Dr Michael-John Dolan
Michael-John (Mike) is an Assistant Professor at the Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin. His research explores neuroimmunology and genomics, investigating how the brain's immune system responds to neurodegeneration and how this response might be leveraged to promote repair. As a member of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee, he is committed to broadening participation in STEM education and careers.
Dr Susan Bryne
Susan is a Paediatric Neurologist at CHI Crumlin and a Senior Lecturer at RCSI FutureNeuro, where she explores the genetics behind childhood brain development. She’s passionate about EDI because diversity leads to better ideas, better science, and better care for patients and families. When she’s not in the lab, clinic or on call, she loves championing patient involvement—or running (very slowly) up hills!
Simone Brennan
Simone is an EU Fellowship manager in RCSI. She is passionate about creating safe and welcoming spaces for members of the LGBTQI community and for mothers returning to work after maternity leave. In her personal time, Simone enjoys traditional Irish singing and music, and hiking in Irelands mountains and woodlands.
Fiona Mc Loone
Fiona is the Communications Lead at FutureNeuro, dedicated to making research accessible and engaging across diverse audiences and platforms. As a member of the EDI Committee, she is passionate about showcasing the Centre’s work and amplifying the voices of its researchers. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, running, and drawing.
Dr Prabhav Mehra
Prabhav is a FutureNeuro PostDoc, specialising in neuro-engineering, neural signal analysis, neurophysiology, data analytics and neurodegeneration. He values diverse perspectives in driving equality and believes understanding different cultures and experiences is key to a fair and inclusive society. As an Indian researcher in Ireland, he aims to bring his unique perspective to the committee. Outside work, he enjoys bouldering, tennis and gardening.
EDI at FutureNeuro
We welcome all FutureNeuro members to help shape a more inclusive research environment—whether by joining the committee, attending events, or sharing feedback.
Latest News
What We Do
We pioneer diagnostics, brain therapies, and technologies, collaborating both nationally and globally to drive patient-centric innovation across neurological, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.
Our Governance
The Governance Committee plays a critical role in overseeing and guiding the strategic direction of FutureNeuro with input from Scientific, Industry and Data and Digital Health Advisory Committees.