Dr. Barbara Murphy

Dr. Barbara Anne Murphy is Founder of Equilume Ltd and Associate Professor of Equine Science at University College Dublin, where she also serves as Head of Equine Science and Program Director of the Animal Science–Equine degree. She completed a BSc in Equine Science at the University of Limerick, worked in the Thoroughbred industry, and later earned her PhD in Veterinary Science at the University of Kentucky’s prestigious Gluck Equine Research Center. Her PhD research helped pioneer the field of chronobiology in equine science, exploring how circadian rhythms interact with immune function.

Her current research explores how environmental cues—particularly photoperiod—regulate biological rhythms and influence reproduction, growth, health and performance in horses and cattle. A key discovery from her research showed that low-intensity blue light delivered to one eye can profoundly influence equine physiology and behavior. This breakthrough led to the development of the Equilume Light Mask, now widely used internationally to support fertility, performance and wellbeing in horses.

Equilume has grown into a global agri-tech company with subsidiaries in the US and Australia. A native of West Cork on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Barbara combines hands-on experience in the equine industry with academic research to drive innovation as both educator and entrepreneur.