Dr. John Gallagher
PhoneBiography
Dr Gallagher is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Systems Modelling and Director of TrinityHaus Trinity Research Centre in the Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering. My research interests and expertise focuses upon the delivery of innovative solutions to current environmental and energy challenges in both rural and urban settings, with cross-cutting focuses on SDGs #3 (Good-Health & Wellbeing), #11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), #12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) & #13 (Climate Action), including the mitigation of environmental pollution and increasing the resilience of water and energy resources to climate change, whilst integrating sustainable engineering principles in achieving these balanced solutions through a life cycle and circularity lens. My research focus in passive air pollution mitigation has broadened in scope and depth in recent years, as I have recognised the importance of a nexus approach to holistic assessment and design of engineering solutions. My air pollution research has expanded to focus on different indoor and outdoor contexts to address the millions of premature deaths associated with air pollution exposure, and the investigation of physical and nature-based solution (NBS) as interventions to improve air quality. Furthermore, my measurement and modelling work encompasses the cumulative environmental impacts (air, noise and thermal comfort) to better inform engineered and nature-based interventions so that holistic and future-proofed improvements are achieved in a cost-effective manner. This sees me working with researchers from ".. (show multidisciplinary) The ongoing focus is to develop advanced environmental monitoring using UAVs that is integrated into ventilation design models. My research in this area has led to over €600,000 in research funding, with the work produced 20 journal papers, of which I am a lead author in two-thirds of these studies. My expertise in the field has led to my contribution to international collaborations with leading academics in the field in Europe, the U.S and Asia. One of these papers I designed the study focus with the lead author has received more than 900 citations and received an impact award Elsevier in 2024. As the new Director of TrinityHaus Trinity"s Research Centre, which focuses on addressing the impact of the built environment in creating low-carbon, resilient, healthful, and inclusive communities, my research in at environmental systems is also shaped by my life cycle and circular economy expertise through the application and development of tools to drive low-carbon and resource-efficient design of engineering systems. This is a growing area of research that I have contributed to already, reflected by over €500,000 in funding that I have attained in this area. This research has included developing innovative materials (building facades or bioplastics), processes (passive wastewater treatment), technologies (data collection and AI-driven efficiency tool) and energy systems (optimised sizing and hybrid integration). This has led to an additional 20 journal publications addressing these topics. Furthermore, given the novelty of this field, my work has led to my invitation to act as a National Expert on circular economy measurement and assessment in European (CEN) and International (ISO) committees.