Dr. John F. Cryan

Class of 2024-25

Professor and Chair
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience
University College Cork, Ireland

John F. Cryan is an internationally recognized neuroscientist known for his groundbreaking research on the microbiota-gut-brain axis. His work has significantly advanced understanding of how the gut microbiome influences brain function and behavior, particularly in relation to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Cryan’s research employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining neuroscience, microbiology, psychiatry and pharmacology to explore the complex interactions between the brain and gut microbiota.

He received his doctorate from the University of Galway, Ireland.

Cryan is a member of the Royal Irish Academy and is a former president of the European Behavioural Pharmacology Society. He was chair of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Scientific Programme Committee from 2022-24.

Honors include the Datta Medal from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology plus awards from Neuroscience Ireland, American Gastrointestinal Association, American Physiological Society, Neonatal Society, Neurobehavioral Teratology Society, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, British Association of Psychopharmacology, Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland as well as from Utrecht University and University College Cork. He received an honorary degree from University of Antwerp.

He has served on the editorial boards of several leading journals in neuroscience and psychopharmacology and is actively involved in numerous international research collaborations.

Cryan has authored more than 600 peer-reviewed publications and five books, including The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection.

He is recognized as a Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher.

Cryan will collaborate with faculty and students in the College of Medicine.