Dr. Émer Hickey

Dr. Émer Hickey serves as the Scientific Advisor for LIYSF. She previously held the position of Chief of Staff and initially participated in the forum in 2014.

Émer’s passion for science emerged during her involvement in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE). In 2013, Émer and her teammates secured the top prize at BTYSTE with a project exploring the impact of Rhizobia bacteria on germination rates in barley, wheat, and oat seeds. Subsequently, the team represented Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists and the Google Science Fair, securing first place in both competitions. TIME magazine recognized Émer as one of the most influential teenagers globally. Throughout this period, she regularly spoke at outreach events such as WeDay, the Do Lectures, and Wired UK. Additionally, she presented a STEM documentary in collaboration with Coca Cola and VICE.

Émer pursued her studies in Microbiology at University College Cork, where she received a Quercus Scholarship for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Her Ph.D. research took place at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, focusing on Candida albicans colonization of the intestinal tract. During her Ph.D., she earned the NUI Travelling Doctoral Prize for Medical Mycology.

Émer remains actively involved in outreach activities and serves as a judge at the Primary School Science Fair in Dublin. Recently, she authored the book ‘Fungi Are Alive!’, featuring a series of mycology experiments for children. Émer held the role of LIYSF Chief of Staff from 2019 to 2023. In her current role as Scientific Advisor, she contributes to program design and alumni engagement.