Emma Teeling is a distinguished Irish zoologist, geneticist, and genomicist renowned for her expertise in phylogenetics and genomics, particularly focusing on bats. She is a full professor at University College Dublin (UCD) and has made significant contributions to the field of chiropteran systematics, genome research, and longevity studies. Teeling founded the Laboratory of Molecular Evolution and Mammalian Phylogenetics, also known as the “BatLab,” at UCD, along with the Centre for Irish Bat Research. Teeling’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Zoology from UCD, followed by an M.Sc. in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the University of Edinburgh. She further pursued her studies at Queen’s University Belfast and the University of California at Riverside, where she obtained her Ph.D. Teeling’s research on bats extends to exploring their genomes and longevity, with potential applications to human aging and various conditions. Beyond her scientific endeavors, Teeling has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Science Foundation Ireland President of Ireland Award in 2006 and the European Research Council Starting Investigator grant from 2013 to 2018. She is also a Chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes académiques, a notable civilian decoration in France. Teeling’s influence extends beyond academia; she has been a keynote speaker at various events, including the World Economic Forum conference in Davos, Switzerland, where she presented on aging and longevity research. In summary, Emma Teeling’s work as an international leader in mammalian phylogenetics and comparative genomics underscores her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in understanding bats, genomes, aging, and their implications for human health and longevity.
