Dr Tara O'Driscoll (BoobyBiome)
Overview
Dr. Tara O'Driscoll is a notable scientist and entrepreneur, primarily recognized as the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of BoobyBiome, a biotech startup focusing on infant health through microbiome research. With a robust academic background in neuroscience and an innovative approach to tackling gaps in infant health, Dr. O'Driscoll has contributed significantly to the understanding of the breast milk microbiome and its vital role in early childhood development. Her work at BoobyBiome, alongside Dr. Lydia Mapstone and Dr. Sioned Jones, seeks to ensure that all infants receive the health benefits associated with the breast milk microbiome, regardless of their feeding circumstances.
Recent Developments
As of 2025, Dr. Tara O'Driscoll and her startup BoobyBiome have experienced several notable developments:
- September 2025: BoobyBiome raised €2.8 million in seed funding to scale their operations and bring their innovative infant microbiome products to a global market. This round was led by Empirical Ventures along with other prominent investors (EU-Startups).
- 2024: Forbes recognized Dr. O'Driscoll, along with her co-founders, on the European 30 Under 30 list for her work in pioneering solutions to improve infant gut health through microbiome research (UCL Population Health Sciences).
- 2024: Dr. O'Driscoll joined the Royal Academy of Engineering's Shott Scale-Up Accelerator, aiming to scale BoobyBiome's business model and expand its technological outreach (BoobyBiome).
- 2023: BoobyBiome was featured in the Channel 4 documentary "Know Your S**t," showcasing the advances in understanding and harnessing the breast milk microbiome (UCL).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Tara O'Driscoll |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Scientist, Entrepreneur, CTO of BoobyBiome |
| Known For | Breast milk microbiome research and infant health innovations |
| Education | PhD in Neuroscience, University College London (UCL) |
Early Life and Education
Dr. Tara O'Driscoll's formative years were marked by curiosity in the biological sciences, ultimately leading her to pursue higher education in neuroscience. Her academic journey began at University College London (UCL), where she obtained a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, focusing on the intersection of neuroscience and microbiome research. The academic environment at UCL provided Dr. O'Driscoll with exposure to cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration, shaping her scientific approach and entrepreneurial spirit. Her interest in the vastly unexplored breast milk microbiome started during her tenure at UCL, which became the cornerstone of her future endeavors with BoobyBiome.
Career and Notable Achievements
Dr. O'Driscoll's career trajectory is intertwined with her groundbreaking work at BoobyBiome:
- 2019: Co-founded BoobyBiome with the mission to advance breast milk microbiome research and develop commercial solutions to common infant health issues.
- 2022: Secured significant seed funding to develop live biotherapeutic products aimed at addressing infant gut health, receiving backing from major investors like Venrex and Discovery Park Ventures (DDW Online).
- 2024: Recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, positioning her as a leading change-maker in biotech and infant health research (UCL Population Health Sciences).
Current Work and Impact
Dr. Tara O'Driscoll continues to lead BoobyBiome's efforts in biotechnology, focusing on translating complex microbiome research into practical applications. Her work has contributed to developing devices and supplements designed to preserve and provide optimal microbiome conditions for infants worldwide. Her leadership in BoobyBiome is not only transforming infant health but is also setting a precedent for how scientific research can transition into commercial innovation, ensuring widespread accessibility to health-improving solutions.
Conclusion
Dr. Tara O'Driscoll's achievements in breast milk microbiome research represent a significant advancement in infant health solutions. Her entrepreneurial mindset and scientific rigor converge to address critical health issues, forming a legacy that will likely influence how we approach early childhood health for years to come. As BoobyBiome expands its global impact, Dr. O'Driscoll’s contributions will continue to shape the landscapes of biotechnology and health sciences, promising a healthier future for subsequent generations.