About John
Dr. John Cryan is an internationally celebrated neuroscientist and leading expert on the microbiota-gut-brain axis—the communication pathway between the bacteria in our gut and our brain. He is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland, where he was also appointed Vice President for Research and Innovation in 2021. John’s groundbreaking work, primarily conducted at the APC Microbiome Institute at UCC, has been essential in proving that the trillions of microbes in our gut play a critical role in regulating our brain and behavior throughout our lives. His research shows that the common expression “gut feeling” has a real scientific basis. His discoveries have significant implications for how we understand and treat a wide range of conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. He and his colleagues pioneered the concept of “psychobiotics,” which are live bacteria or substances that can be used to target the gut microbiome for mental health benefits. A frequent lecturer and highly-cited researcher with over 600 peer-reviewed articles, John co-authored the bestselling book, The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection (2017). His work continues to shape the future of neuroscience and is moving the entire medical field toward a more holistic view of health.
