Dr. Peter Doran earned his BSc. from Dublin City University in 1998 and his PhD from University College Dublin in 2001. Dr. Doran is a lecturer at the UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, and Scientific Director of the UCD Clinical Research Centre (CRC). The UCD CRC with facilities at both the Mater Misericordiae and St. Vincent’s University Hospitals drives clinical and translational research which is aimed at improving patient care by acting as a catalyst to bring all members of the biomedical research enterprise together to ensure novel health interventions are developed and diffused into Irish healthcare practice. Dr Doran leads the significant biobanking activity completed at the UCD CRC and has been the driver for the creation of national biobanking guidelines. The main focus of his research is the complications associated with HIV and its treatment. Since the introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), morbidity and mortality have been significantly reduced. However, a number of serious side effects have been seen in these patients. HIV patients are at increased risk of decreased bone density, and osteoporosis. His laboratory is focused on uncovering the effects of both HIV and antiviral treatment on the biology of bone cells. Specifically we are interested in changes in the function of osteoblasts and Mesesnchymal stem cells. Through these investigations we are gaining further insight into the interaction of HIV with the body.
