The cherry blossom is in bloom, the exams have started and Summer is around the corner. We would like to welcome Professor John Cryan, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience as the new Chairman of the School of Medicine Research Committee. Professor Cryan has taken over from Professor Geraldine Boylan, Professor of Neonatal Physiology, who has been a tremendous force in developing medical research and in fostering student research in UCC. MRN was Geraldine's brainchild and together, we worked to develop the e-newsletter with the invaluable help of Ann Marie Looney. This issue is for you, Ger. We know you will continue to mentor, inspire and encourage our students as they take their first steps in research and that you will continue your acclaimed neonatal research at CUMH. Thank you Ger, and thank you, Ann Marie.

This month, CUMH features heavily as we bring you some abstracts from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology research team who recently presented 16 posters and three oral presentations at the Society Gynaecologic Investigation (SGI) meeting in San Diego. This month's research interview is with Gene Dempsey, Consultant Neonatologist, and his passion and enthusiasm for research is very evident.

Medical student Stephen Power explains his final year research project and, at last, Siun O'Flynn has agreed to answer our Lifestyle '10 Questions'. Thank you, Siun!

Finally, our very best wishes to all our students. The exams will be over soon. The summer lies ahead. Enjoy. You deserve it. 

Dr Bridget Maher

Cooking for friends – what do you cook?

I like my friends way too much to try cooking for them - I find a good deli or caterer and hope Marks and Spencers can help with the rest.