Professor Emeir McSorley is a Professor of Human Nutrition and Nutritional Immunology in the School of Biomedical Sciences. Prof McSorley holds a PhD from Ulster University in nutrition, biochemistry, and immunology, with a specialisation in omega-3 fatty acids and the autoimmune condition systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She also has a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences and is a registered Biomedical Scientist and AfN Nutritionist (Nutrition Science).

Within the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Prof McSorley leads the Fish and Seafood for Health (FISH) and the Nutritional Immunology research subgroups. Her research focuses on the impact of diet on cell function and human health, particularly the effects of vitamin D and n-3 PUFAs on inflammation, immunity, sports performance, bone health and pregnancy.

She is actively involved in marine research, developing novel marine bioactive ingredients for use in functional foods and has received the Fusion Intertrade Ireland Project Exemplar Award (2013) for innovative research undertaken with the Marine Industry. Additionally, she is a core member of the global Seychelles Child Development Study, which examines the risks and benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy, as well as pregnancy health and child development.

Prof McSorley has received several accolades, including the Ulster University Distinguished Research Fellowship (2014), the Ulster University Students’ Union Inspirational Teacher Award (2015, runner up 2019), winner of Ulster University Impact Excellent Award (2017) and shortlisted in 2020 for the Ulster University Excellence Awards for Global Partnership. She was also award of PhD Supervisor of the Year by the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences (2019, 2024).

Professor McSorley is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and her teaching interests encompass immunology, biochemistry, nutrition throughout the lifecycle, and research design and statistics. Her administrative roles include serving as the Postgraduate Tutor for PhD researchers in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Placement Tutor for BSc Human Nutrition and BSc Food & Nutrition programs, member of the Faculty Committee for Employment and Engagement, and Edge Champion for the School of Biomedical Sciences. She is also a long-standing member of the Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (SAT) and completed the Advance HE Aurora Leadership development programme (2021). Her multifaceted contributions to research, teaching, and administration underscore her dedication to advancing the fields of nutrition and immunology, as well as her unwavering commitment to student development and academic excellence.