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Greetings from Professor Helen Whelton
Dear colleagues,
As the year draws to a close, it is my privilege to reflect on a truly remarkable 2024 and look ahead to the exciting possibilities of 2025.
The College remains unwavering in its commitment to excellence in Clinical and Health Science education, research, and innovation. Our vision to be Ireland’s foremost institution for Medical and Health Sciences with a global reach continues to guide our every endeavour. This year, our achievements have further solidified our role as leaders in education, impactful research, and community engagement.
We have continued to work closely with our colleagues in the health services both public and private and we are very grateful for the strong partnerships we enjoy in clinical care, education, training, research and innovation with a shared goal of enhancing the health and wellbeing of health care patients and the wider population locally, nationally and internationally.
As we look back, we pause to remember our colleagues throughout the University who died this year. Our sympathies to their families and all of those who worked with them. May they rest in peace.
This year marked the first graduating class from four pioneering programmes:
• PhD in Occupational Science
• MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences Operations and Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatrics and Child Health
• Postgraduate Certificate in Health and Wellbeing
As a College we continue to be agile and responsive to the education and training needs of both the healthcare sector and life sciences industry, a trait which does our reputation proud and owes great credit to all of you who respond to the needs of the sectors we support. Over the past three years, we’ve introduced 15 new programmes, many of which are stackable, enabling students to progress seamlessly from postgraduate certificates to master’s degrees, addressing the evolving demands of healthcare education.
We proudly maintain the highest CAO demand ratio of 2.7, a testament to the quality and reputation of our courses. In 2024, we celebrated the graduation of 1,237 healthcare professionals, ready to meet critical national and international needs while strengthening our global partnerships. What a major achievement. Great credit to the students who passed through our College this year and also to all of you who either made their education possible or directly taught, tutored, mentored and inspired. Thank you for making this College a great place to study.
Congratulations to Clinical Therapies and Nursing & Midwifery who marked significant milestones with their 20th and 30th anniversaries, respectively, in December 2024. It is wonderful to see our schools going from strength to strength.
All of our six schools within the College now hold the Athena Bronze Award, reflecting our solid commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Our Schools continue to be held in high esteem in relation to QS rankings: Nursing: 32, Pharmacy & Pharmacology: 94, Anatomy & Physiology: 101-150 and Medicine: 201-250. Dentistry and Oral Sciences is at number 36 in Shanghai Subject Rankings. Our College continues to lead in impactful research. Fourteen researchers from APC and INFANT were recognised on Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list.
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Greetings from Professor Helen Whelton
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Staff in the College secured €36 million in research grant funding this year which was a spectacular performance, congratulations to all of you who won grants and to those of you who submitted applications and may not have been successful (this time). Significant funding successes include a €7.5 million EU award for Schools of Medicine and Nursing & Midwifery and a €1.6 million grant from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation for research into early brain injury.
We celebrated individual achievements, including:
• Professor Paul Ross, named SFI Researcher of the Year 2023
• Professor Caitriona O’Driscoll, elected to the Royal Irish Academy for her work in RNA therapeutics and drug delivery.
Additionally, our College awarded 16 bursaries to doctoral students for international conference travel, training, and networking opportunities, and celebrated excellence through our Postgraduate Research Student Awards.
Three new Professors were appointed in 2023/2024: Wan Fai Ng (Rheumatology/CRF), Margaret McGrath (Occupational Therapy), and Gerry Lee (Nursing), strengthening our academic depth.
The Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series and the Philanthropic Lecture Series (in collaboration with Alumni and Development) were highlights of the year, showcasing groundbreaking research from distinguished faculty.
Events like the "Teddy Bear Hospital" connected us with the community, introducing young children to healthcare professions in an approachable way.
As we celebrate the achievements of the past year, I extend huge gratitude to our staff, students, and our clinical partners for their dedication and contributions. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare education and research, driving positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.
Wishing you a joyful winter season and a successful 2025!
School of Clinical Therapies
Co-designing a website to raise awareness of aphasia
Over 100 million people living in the world have experienced a stroke (www.world-stroke.org) and approximately 7,500 people in Ireland have a stroke every year. Stroke is life changing. Many people don’t return to the same life, needing ongoing support for physical, cognitive, communication, and psycho-social disabilities, including aphasia.
More than 1/3 of stroke survivors experience Aphasia, a post-stroke communication disability caused by damage to the language areas of the brain. Aphasia does not affect intelligence but can affect a person’s ability to understand what they read and hear and to express themselves. Almost everything in our daily lives involves communication so there are daily challenges for people living with post-stroke aphasia, which often results in social isolation and loneliness. The rate of depression is higher for people with post-stroke aphasia when compared with stroke survivors who do not have aphasia.
Despite the numbers of people living with aphasia, research shows the general public does not know what aphasia is. Stroke survivors and their families also report a need for more understanding about aphasia and how to access relevant supports.
Dr Helen Kelly (School of Clinical Therapies) invited stroke survivors with aphasia and a student from Digital Humanities to co-design a website to raise awareness of aphasia. Informed by the co-design team of stroke survivors with aphasia, this unique website highlights the impact of aphasia on people’s lives. Dr Kelly’s UCC Aphasia Home Café, gives hope through video testimonies of people living successfully with aphasia and provides links to resources useful for stroke survivors and their families.
Website: https://www.ucc.ie/en/aphasiacafe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AphasiaCafe
X (Twitter): @DrHelenKelly_ and @AphasiaHomeCafe
The website was launched on Friday 1st November, during International World Stroke Awareness week, and the co-design team was also invited to present this work for the Advances in Communication and Swallowing journal’s Autumn webinar on 6th November.
Cork University Dental School & Hospital
Annual scientific meeting of the Irish Division of the IADR
The annual scientific meeting of the Irish Division of the IADR took place in Belfast on October 17–18. This event is Ireland’s primary forum for presenting oral, dental, and craniofacial research and serves as a vital platform for early career researchers. We are delighted to share that Cork University Dental School and Hospital (CUDSH) and the Oral Health Services Research Centre (OHSRC) were well-represented, with 13 oral and poster presentations by staff, postgraduates, and undergraduates. Highlights included competitive prize categories with two prestigious awards for Cork researchers.
Dr Dani McGeown won the Postgraduate Research Prize for her presentation, “Assessment of Indoor Air Quality [IAQ] in a Multi-Surgery Dental Clinic,” co-authored with colleagues from the APC, ERI, and CUDSH. Dani will represent the Irish Division at the IADR’s general session in Barcelona next year. Dr Harriet Byrne received the Dental Health Foundation Prize for her presentation, “An Assessment of the Oral Health Status and Dental Care Needs of Oncology Patients Receiving Bone Modifying Agents [BMAs],” a collaboration with experts in Medical Oncology, Cork Cancer Research Centre, and Mathematical Sciences. Congratulations to Dani, Harriet, and all CUDSH/ OHSRC presenters!
Shanghai Subject Rankings
The prestigious Shanghai Subject Rankings published recently with UCC been ranked 36 in the world for Dentistry and Oral Sciences, and also first in Ireland. (Up from 51-75 last year). It is UCC's Top subject in this ranking again this year.
Dr Anne Hegarty, BDS, received a Master of Research in Health Professions' Education from the COMH, Department of Medical Education. Anne is the first COMH staff member to receive this degree.
CUDSH collaboration with Special Olympics Ireland
UCC Dental School & Hospital attended the Special Olympics Athletes Forum in Portlaoise on Saturday 21st September 2024. Students from our programmes led the Special Smiles Screening Programme.
Read the full article here.
Pictured left – Dr Dani McGeown & Dr Harriet Byrne, Right - with the CUDSH / OHSRC teams
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School of Medicine
Celebrating 175 Years of Excellence in Medical Education at UCC
The School of Medicine at University College Cork (UCC) marked its 175th anniversary with a gala event at the Aula Maxima on November 7th. Established on November 8th, 1849, the School of Medicine was one of the founding faculties of UCC, alongside Arts and Law. The celebration was a moment to reflect on the School's rich history and its contributions to medical education.
UCC President, Professor John O’Halloran, Head of the College of Medicine and Health, Professor Helen Whelton, and Dean of the School of Medicine, Professor Paula O’Leary, welcomed distinguished guests, alumni, and former chairs of the Medical Graduates Association, including Professor Tony O’Brien, Professor Katy Keohane, and Dr Will Fennell. Alumni shared heartfelt reflections on their time at UCC, highlighting the School's impact on their careers including recent graduate Dr Paul O'Donovan, UCC Quercus Scholar and Olympic Rower.
The School of Medicine has grown significantly since its inception, now graduating 200 doctors annually, with plans to increase this number to meet the rising demand in the Irish healthcare system. The School also offers diverse programmes in fields such as paramedicine, radiography, and various medical sciences, supported by a strong research profile.
Looking ahead, the School is set to expand with the construction of a new clinical medical school at Cork University Hospital. This development will enhance clinical learning facilities, integrating modern medical technologies and expertise.
Professor John O’Halloran expressed pride in the School's achievements and its evolution from a small school with big ambitions to a thriving institution with even bigger goals. He emphasised the importance of continued growth and innovation in medical education and research.
Pictured top right : Guests enjoying the celebrations in the Aula
Below right- Dr Paul O'Donovan reflecting on his time as a student
Maxima
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School of Medicine
Professor Paula O’Leary, Dean of the School of Medicine, reflected on the milestone: “This milestone for the School of Medicine and the University gives us an opportunity to reflect on the development of the School from its origins, the contribution of the many thousands of UCC medical graduates to high quality patient care right across the world and the achievements of UCC faculty in the provision of excellence in education and training and research with well-deserved recognition and good reputations internationally. We look forward to further developments and the next big development of the Clinical Medical School at CUH which will bring much welcomed state-of-art facilities for modern clinical education and training.”
Professor Helen Whelton also extended her congratulations and highlighted the importance and significant impact of the ongoing partnership between UCC and the healthcare sector, delivering “quality healthcare hand-in-hand with teaching, training, research and innovation, incorporating the full spectrum of the healthcare workforce.”
Inaugural Dr Sinead Kinsella Intern Medal
UCC School of Medicine held the inaugural Dr Sinead Kinsella Intern medal 2024 event in honour of the late Dr Sinead Kinsella, graduate of the School of Medicine 2000 and winner of Intern prize 2001. Five shortlisted Interns presented very interesting cases on the night and the award went to Dr Sorcha Boland.
Pictured Above L- R are Dr John Bourke, Medical Intern Programme Director, Ms Siobhan Kinsella presenting award to Dr Sorcha Boland, Geraldine McNamee, Medical Intern Programme Manager
Pictured bottom left: Professor Michael Murphy, Professor Paula
O'Leary, President John O' Halloran, Professor Helen Whelton, Dr John Coulter
School of Nursing and Midwifery
The Department of Health has contracted the Inclusion Health Research Group (IHRG) in the College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork to undertake the public consultation process. The framework will ensure an inclusion health approach across all aspects of health policy and practice going forward.
Minister Colm Burke, Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy launched the public consultation for this Inclusion Health Framework in the Jennings Gallery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex in UCC on 28th June 2024.
Below: Dr Angela Flynn, Professor Stephen Byrne, Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Patricia Leahy-Warren, Dean of School of Nursing and Midwifery and Minister Colm Burke, Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy.
7th Annual Mindfulness Conference, on 14 October 2024 hosted at School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, UCC
The Bon Secours Hospital Cork and School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork jointly presented the 7th Annual Mindfulness Conference on Saturday 5th October 2024. The theme of this year’s conference was “Mindful Values Based Leadership”
Above, L to R : Nollaig Crowley, Business Manager BSHC, Fr Peter McVerry of Peter McVerry Trust Homeless Charity, Professor Patricia Leahy-Warren, Dean of School of Nursing & Midwifery, UCC, Ber Mulcahy, Director Nursing Bon Secours Hospital Cork, Harry Canning, CEO Bon Secours Hospital Cork, Chris Ruane and Dr Martin Egan, Consultant
School of Nursing and Midwifery
6th September 2024 School of Nursing and Midwifery Annual Achievement Awards Ceremony
Elaine Drummond Perpetual Award for Intellectual Disability Nursing
Dr Maria Caples proudly presented the Elaine Drummond Perpetual Award for Intellectual Disability Nursing to this year’s deserving recipient, Sally Hennessy.
Sally has consistently demonstrated kindness, compassion, and a deep commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Described by lecturers and clinical mentors as positive, passionate, and an advocate, she excelled in clinical placements, adapting to new environments and leading peers with confidence.
Her dedication to prioritising the needs of those she supports, coupled with her growing clinical decisionmaking skills and empathy, makes her a true role model in the field of Intellectual Disability Nursing. Congratulations, Sally!
The Niall O'Mahony Perpetual Award
This award was established in 2004, honours the memory of Mr Niall O'Mahony, a dedicated nurse tutor and advocate for Mental Health Nursing who passed away in 2003. This annual award recognises a student who has excelled in clinical practice throughout their four-year programme. Selection criteria include personal and professional development, attitude, responsibility, accountability, commitment, motivation, and serving as a role model to junior colleagues. This year's recipients have demonstrated these qualities, showing a quiet commitment to becoming Mental Health nurses, reflecting Niall's vision and dedication to the profession.
Daniel Newman, HSE Mental Health Nurse Practice Development Coordinator presenting the award to recipients Ella Bradley and Aoife Ansbro Daly.
The inaugural Dr Moira O’Donovan Award for Excellence in Mental Health Nursing, in memory of our dear colleague Moira who sadly died in 2022. The award was presented by Moira’s daughter Aoife and her husband Derry to the recipient Alice Taylor.
Recipients of School of Nursing and Midwifery Annual Achievement Awards with the Dean of School, Professor Patricia Leahy-Warren.
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School of Pharmacy
Dr Kieran Dalton wins Practice-Based Research Award at Pharmacy Excellence Awards
Dr Kieran Dalton, Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy, recently won the Practice-Based Research Award at the Pharmacy Excellence Awards on November 30th, held at Dublin's Mansion House. These awards, in partnership with the Pharmacy Benevolent Fund, celebrate outstanding contributions from pharmacists and pharmacy teams across Ireland. Dr Dalton is highly regarded for his practice-based research across diverse settings, including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and palliative care. His work in pharmacy practice and medication optimisation is recognised internationally, influencing clinical and policy outcomes.
A key project for Dr Dalton is the iSIMPATHY initiative, in collaboration with Ms Ciara Kirke from the HSE. This project, which won ‘Health Initiative of the Year,’ focuses on person-centred medication reviews in general practice. The research demonstrates substantial clinical and cost benefits, with ongoing efforts to support its wider implementation across Ireland.
School of Pharmacy Staff Receive Award for Hosting HSRPP Conference 2024
The Cork Convention Bureau hosted the 8th Conference Ambassador Award Ceremony on Thursday 28th November in the Kingsley Hotel, where School of Pharmacy staff were honoured to receive an award in recognition for hosting the 30th Health Services Research and Pharmacy Practice (HSRPP) Conference on 25th-26th April 2024 in University College Cork (UCC). Congratulations to the core team from the School who were involved in organising and hosting such a successful event, some of whom are pictured below. It was highlighted to attendees at the Conference Ambassador Award Ceremony about the significant economic benefits that hosting a conference brings to the city of Cork, with the Cork Convention Bureau estimating the value of the HSRPP 2024 Conference at over €126,000.
L-R: Dr Ciara Kirke and Dr Kieran Dalton
Pictured: Teresa M. Barbosa, Ruth McCarthy, Kieran Dalton and Suzanne McCarthy (Conference Co-Chairs), Beth Buchanan
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School of Public Health
Public and Patient Involvement in Mental Health Research Event
The National Suicide Research Foundation and PPI Ignite Network @UCC held a one-day research symposium in the Dr Dora Allman Room, University College Cork on Monday May 20th, 2024. We heard from a number of speakers including Dr Leah Quinlivan, Dan Stears and Liz Monaghan from the University of Manchester, Dr Lydia Sapouna from UCC, Dr Maria Quinlan from HSE Research and Development, Anita Whyte from the Dual Diagnosis Clinical Programme, Kathyan Kelly, Jaqui Noble and Myrice Kelly from Seeking Safety Ireland and Aileen Callanan from the NSRF.
Topics covered on the day included PPI involvement and engagement in self-harm and suicide prevention research, a discussion on power and epistemic (in)justice in relation to PPI or user involvement, trauma informed research - implications for PPI and a case study of Seeking Safety Ireland. The day provided staff, students and stakeholders with an opportunity for networking and learning from national and international experts.
Suicide Prevention Training Module Pilot Launch
On World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th, a four-week pilot of the module for 1st -4th year health care students at University College Cork (UCC) and University College Dublin (UCD) was launched, developed by the National Suicide Research Foundation and partners in UCC and the HSE.
The module content is structured into four weekly two-hour in-person sessions, covering critical topics including risk and protective factors, effective communication skills and safety planning. The findings from this pilot will inform future iterations of the module and the development of a train-the-trainer programme, ultimately making suicide prevention education available to all health care courses nationally. More information in this Article on Workvivo.
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School of Public Health
HIRH Implementation Science Networking Seminar
Attendees: Professor Helen Whelton (Head of College of Medicine & Health, UCC), Dr Olga Cleary (Senior Research & Development Manager, HSE), Professor Claire Buckley (HSE Consultant in Public Health Medicine), Dr Mary Morrissey (Psychology Lead in Research & Development, HSE), Professor Ella Arensman (Head of School of Public Health UCC), Dr Sheena McHugh (Senior Lecturer and Director of Implementation Science Training Institute, UCC).
On the 2nd of July, Dr Sheena McHugh hosted a networking seminar entitled “Bringing Best Practices from Implementation Science to Practice” as part of the activities of the Health Implementation Research Hub.
The event was attended by academics and researchers from across UCC as well as attendees from the Health Service Executive and the charity sector. We were joined by world-renowned guest speaker Dr Rinad Beidas, Chair and Ralph Seal Paffenbarger Professor of Medical Social Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. Dr Beidas shared her insights on how implementation science can help health professionals, leaders, and organisations to use best practices to improve the quality and equity of care and enhance health outcomes. Dr Sheena McHugh spoke about the challenges and opportunities for implementation research in the Irish health system with examples from her own work. Talks were followed by a panel discussion with Dr Justin Presseau, Dr Michael Sykes, Dr Bianca Albers and Dr Rinad Beidas, who shared their experiences leading implementation research in the US, Canada and Europe. Finally, Professor Helen Whelton gave the closing address highlighting the increasing need for collaboration between academia and the health service. Professor Ella Arensman emphasised the need for transferable skills in implementation research across Public Health priorities.
The event is part of the networking and capacity building activities funded by Dr McHugh’s Research Leader Award from the Health Research Board.
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APC Microbiome Ireland
Director Professor Paul Ross travelled to Brussels to attend the launch of the European Microbiome Centres Consortium (EMCC), an initiative in which APC was instrumental in establishing through the EU-funded Human Microbiom.Action project.
APC launched their Equality Diversity Inclusion and Wellbeing Action Plan in March with a celebration including a speech by APC Director Professor Paul Ross., the creation of a diversity tree and a dance performance by Manasi Nadkarni
Professor John Cryan featured in the Netflix documentary, Hack Your Health: Secrets of the Gut. The documentary premiered on Netflix in April, illuminating the intricate science behind the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria, viruses and other microbes that reside within our intestines.
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Cancer Research@UCC
Philanthropy Impact Showcase
On November 20th at UCC's Western Gateway Building, Cancer Research @UCC held a Philanthropy Impact Showcase to acknowledge support provided by Breakthrough Cancer Research which enabled the Professor Gerald O 'Sullivan Chair of Cancer Research position held by Professor Roisin Connolly since late 2019.
The Centre team welcomed the family of the late Professor Gerald O 'Sullivan along with regional stakeholders and collaborators, donors, industry and academic partners, patients and their families. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the Centre’s state-of-theart facilities and engage with the researchers and donors driving change in cancer research.
Over the past five years, the Centre has made significant strides thanks to transformative philanthropic support from Breakthrough Cancer Research which facilitated the establishment of the Professor Gerald O’Sullivan Chair in Cancer Research, held by Professor Roisin Connolly. The partnership has been crucial in advancing key initiatives within the UCC College of Medicine and Health which strengthen connections between academia and healthcare regionally.
An Impact Report highlighting the progress and achievements at the Centre was presented by Professor Connolly to CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research Ms Orla Dolan at the event.
You can read the Cancer Research @UCC Impact Report 2019-2024 here.
Photo (L-R): Eimear Keohane (Associate Director of UCC Alumni and Development) Professor Helen Whelton, (Head of the College of Medicine and Health, UCC), Orla Dolan (CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research), Professor Roisin Connolly (Professor Gerald O'Sullivan Chair in Cancer Research @UCC), Kerry Bryson (Director of Business Development and Advancement, UCC) and UCC President Professor John O’Halloran. Image credit: Ger McCarthy.
CUH/UCC Cancer Centre
Established in 2022, the CUH/UCC Cancer Centre formalises the alliance and commitment to cancer care that has long existed between UCC, CUH, and the HSE to harness scientific, educational, and clinical strengths in the region and advance patient care. Central to this goal is the ambitious decision to apply to the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) for accreditation as an EUdesignated Cancer Centre.
An independent panel of experts from comprehensive cancer centres across Europe visited CUH and UCC in September to assess the quality of cancer care and research integration, during a two-day peer review. Their findings will inform a fiveyear quality improvement plan, with a decision on accreditation expected in early 2025.
This process has fostered close collaboration between the university and hospital, resulting in a shared governance structure. Efforts are underway to appoint external members to the governance board, establish an advisory board, and form an academic committee to maximise opportunities for clinical research and training into the future.
The Cancer Centre is also committed to the development of an inclusive regional network of cancer services; currently delivered through shared pathways and a range of providers. This will facilitate a future application to OECI as a Comprehensive Cancer Network to quality proof and integrate cancer care regionally and coordinate communication, efficiency and innovation into the future.
Cancer Centre team at closing session of peer review Sept 11th 2024
OECI auditors with CUH & UCC management at opening session of peer review Sept 10th 2024
The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT)
See INFANT's impactful video celebrating their 10-year anniversary:
• 100 researchers
• 50 studies currently running
• 3 spin out companies
Congratulations to a stunning team!
Professor Deirdre Murray's first public lecture as The Cerebral Palsy Foundation Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy in March
ABOVE-INFANT spin out CergenX awarded the prestigious Irish Times Innovation Award in the Life Sciences & Healthcare category, sponsored by Research Ireland.
Pictured Dr Siobhan Roche, Director, Science for the Economy at Research Ireland, Sean Griffin, CTO, CergenX and Jason Mowles, CEO, CergenX
On Left -INFANT Director Professor Geraldine Boylan, UCC President, Professor John O’Halloran, An Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD, and Lily Collison, Board Member Cerebral Palsy Foundation and advocate for CP care in Ireland at the launch of ELEVATE, a new €11.6 million Cerebral Palsy research programme at Photography By Gerard McCarthy
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Clinical Research Facility (CRF)
Professor Wan Fai Ng took up post as the new Director of the CRF earlier this year. A consultant rheumatologist and global expert in Sjögren’s syndrome and fatigue research, Professor Ng has led numerous clinical trials and published extensively, with over 170 peer-reviewed articles and £60 million in grant income. Formerly Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility in Newcastle, he trained at Cambridge University and completed a PhD in Immunology at Imperial College London. Welcome, Professor Ng!
PATIENT-FOCUSED RESEARCH IN UCC SYMPOSIUM
The Who, What And How Of Available Research Supports
Last October, the Clinical Research Facility-UCC hosted a 1-day symposium designed to assist patient-focused researchers identify the array of supports in UCC. Talks encompassing the entirety of the research lifecycle were delivered by staff drawn from the CRF-UCC Statistics, Data & Analysis Unit, the Research Office, IT Services, National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre and HSE partners. The session showcased the resources available across the university to assist researchers in applying for funding, navigating contracts, identifying supports and adopting Open Research practices into daily routines.
Top right– Dr Darren Dahly (CRF-UCC), Ruben Keane (NCTO), Jessica Little, Jesus Del Valle, Mary-Claire O’Regan and Dr Brendan Palmer (CRF-UCC).
Bottom Left- Professor Denis O’Mahony, Director of Research for the HSE South West region discusses his experience with UCC's CRF and his trial OPTMATE
The value of integrating electronic data capture processes to data monitoring, reporting and analysis were outlined by Prof Denis O’Mahony. The HRB funded DIFA study “OPTImization of Medication by transdisciplinary Assessment of drug Treatment in Elderly hospitalized patients: application of a definitive intervention by physicians or clinical pharmacists” (OPTIMATE) sought to gather, review and optimise complex medication profiles of elderly patients admitted to emergency departments in Cork, Waterford and Ghent, Belgium. The findings are due to be published in 2025.
The symposium underscored the message that researchers are not alone in this journey—our university offers a robust network of individuals and resources committed to their success. Recordings are available to view on the SDAU SharePoint page for those unable to attend on the day.
ASSERT
Professor Leonie Heskin was appointed as Director of the ASSERT where she is developing educational course offerings for both the undergraduate and working professionals in the multiple disciplines in Medicine and Health. ASSERT is also engaging with the medical device industry using simulation solutions for research and development, validation and user interaction of their products in healthcare.” Welcome, Professor Heskin!
ASSERT Centre VR Anatomy Christmas Competition
On Tuesday 10th December, the ASSERT Centre held a VR Anatomy Christmas Competition. Weekly VR sessions allowed students to prepare for the competition. These sessions provided a revolutionary learning experience where cutting-edge technology meets the excitement of learning. Medical students could immerse themselves in ASSERT’s stateof-the-art anatomy application. Using the 3D Organon XR Virtual Platform on Meta Oculus headsets, students could explore immersive 3D models and interactive simulations that make complex anatomy content accessible, engaging and enjoyable.
Core Curriculum Knee Course
On Friday, 15th November, we hosted the Core Curriculum Knee Course in collaboration with Smith+Nephew and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). This hands-on course brought together orthopaedic trainees from across Ireland to sharpen their skills in knee arthroplasty techniques using the latest innovations in surgical tools and technologies.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion Steering Group
In 2024, a key focus for the group was encouraging students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore careers in healthcare. This included offering opportunities for these students to experience different healthcare programmes at UCC. The steering group supported Access UCC’s Easter Summer School, providing workshops for TY and 5th-year students from partner secondary schools.
Professor Abina Crean, Chair of the EDI Steering Group
The College of Medicine and Health at University College Cork (UCC) is committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDI), aligning with UCC’s broader strategic goals. In 2023, the College established an EDI steering group to help advance these values across its Schools and Administrative Units.
A significant initiative was the creation of the ‘H4Y: Careers in Healthcare for You’ programme, a one-day event for TY students in December, a collaboration between the Schools of Clinical Therapies, Nursing and Midwifery, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.
Additionally, the group participated in UCC’s annual Guidance Counsellors Conference, where they delivered a session called "Busting Myths Related to Healthcare Professions.
"The goal of this session was to challenge common misconceptions, encourage more male participation, and highlight alternative routes into healthcare programmes, such as through CAO QQI/FET applications."
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CoMH Interprofessional Development Committee
‘Understanding Dementia Together – An Interprofessional approach’ wins President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
This year was the sixth year of this excellent event with over 160 students from multiple disciplines in the College coming together to learn about Dementia. The event is organised by a collaborative team from across the College, led out by Ms Trish O’Sullivan Discipline of Physiotherapy, Ms Niamh Moore Diagnostic Radiography and Professor Tony Foley Department of General Practice, Dr Aoife Fleming Vice Head for Interprofessional Learning.
Ann Twomey Director of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland spoke at the event on the importance of students working together in the future, as collaborative teams, to improve patient dementia care. The session highlights the importance of compassionate care and communication and including patients and their families in their care decisions.
The impact of this event on student learning was recognised with a Team award at the UCC President’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Learning on 3rd December in the Aula Maxima. Congratulations to all involved!
Interprofessional Safe Prescribing:
Over 250 students from the School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy took part in an interprofessional session organised by Professor David Kerins, Dr Aoife Fleming Vice Head for Interprofessional Learning, Ms Rachel McInerney and Dr Gabriella Rizzo School of Medicine.
The aim of the session was to provide an opportunity to develop prescribing skills in a range of key areas such as drug calculations, prescribing of antimicrobial, antiepileptic, anticoagulation medications, and intravenous fluids prescribing. There was a fantastic atmosphere in Brookfield as students worked together. We are thankful to all the contributors who gave their support to this student learning session: Dr Margaret Creedon, Dr Kieran Dalton, Dr Maria Donovan, Dr Patricia Fitzgerald, Dr Rob Gaffney and Professor Liam Plant.
Student feedback:
“I learnt how to collaborate with the pharmacy students on prescribing which is a useful skill for the future”.
“I found the fluid prescribing workshop incredibly helpful as this is something I hadn’t learned before”.
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CoMH Interprofessional Development Committee
Cardiac First Response Training
Interprofessional collaboration between:
• Department of Paramedicine
• School of Pharmacy
MPharm students gained life-saving skills in Cardiac First Response training delivered by the Department of Paramedicine in October and November. This interprofessional collaboration between the Department of Paramedicine and the School of Pharmacy is a fantastic initiative, providing Pharmacy students with a vital, life-saving skill that they can take into practice and their communities.
These workshops provided practical skills in CFR and BLS and were delivered by Mr Paul Traynor Advanced Paramedic with the National Ambulance Service, with the support of Dr Kieran Henry, Dr Dave Hick and Professor Conor Deasy Department of Paramedicine. School staff Dr Maria Donovan, Dr Aoife Fleming, Dr Ken Devine, Dr Teresa Barbosa, Ms Ruth McCarthy and Dr Kevin Murphy were delighted to be trained as CFR trainers.
Interprofessional Learning – Publications spotlight:
The importance of contributing to the evidence base and the scholarship of Interprofessional education is vital to developing a culture of IPL in academic and clinical practice settings.
Congratulations to Ms Trish O’Sullivan and her team on their recent publication investigating the impact of an IPL dementia workshop on student knowledge and competency development. This research has found that the IPL session has a perceived positive behavioural change on clinical placement practice by students. See full paper here:
Dr Nora McCarthy, Dr Helen Hynes Medical Education Unit and colleagues have published their research investigating the impact of an Interprofessional Education session for placement students in the Mercy University Hospital. Their findings show a significant increase in student interprofessional collaborative practice confidence following participation. Read more here.
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CoMH Interprofessional Development Committee
Launch and interprofessional pilot of an undergraduate suicide prevention module for healthcare students
The majority of those who die by suicide have had contact with a healthcare professional in the months prior to their death, yet the curricula of most healthcare courses in Ireland lack any sort of suicide prevention training. To address this gap, the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) with funding from the Health Service Executive’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (HSE-NOSP) have spearheaded the development of an evidence-based suicide prevention training module for undergraduate healthcare students, receiving recent additional support from the UCC Centre for Integrated Research in Teaching and Learning SATLE fund. The module content was launched at a Seminar and World Café in January 2024, informing its subsequent interprofessional piloting with 1st- 4th year healthcare students in University College Cork (UCC) and University College Dublin (UCD) in October 2024.
Recruitment that began on World Suicide Prevention Day led to 220 students across a wide range of healthcare courses signing up to the optional four-week module. Preliminary analyses demonstrate a positive impact on suicide attitudes and competence, personal wellbeing and interprofessional learning competencies.
L-R Professor Arensman, Dr O'Driscoll, Ms Gallagher, Dr Woods, Dr Fleming, Ms O’Neill, Dr O’Mahony, Dr O’Sullivan, Dr Griffin
The findings from this pilot will inform future iterations of the module and the development of a SATLE-funded train-thetrainer programme to be launched in early 2025, ultimately making suicide prevention education available to all healthcare courses nationally. This work aligns with Ireland's National Suicide Prevention Strategy, ‘Connecting for Life’ and contributes to the Higher Education Authority’s ‘National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework’, with an important interprofessional relevance across all health and social care programmes.
For further information or specific queries, contact Dr Michelle O’Driscoll at michelle.odriscoll@ucc.ie or Ms Kerrie Gallagher at kgallagher@ucc.ie.
L-R Dr Samantha Dockray, Ms Lucrecia Luna Smee, Dr Owen Jump, Dr James O'Mahony, Dr Johnny Goodwin, Dr Aoife O'Sullivan, Dr Eve Griffin, Ms Kerrie Gallagher, Professor Stephen Byrne, Dr Michelle O'Driscoll, Professor Laura Sahm, Professor Helen Whelton, Professor Ella Arensman, Mr Martin Flynn
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Global Engagement
September and October were busy months in the international student recruitment and global engagement space. Across UCC, College international managers were joined by academics in travelling to China, India, the Middle East, ASEAN and Latin America. The CoMH took in Bahrain, UAE and Qatar as well as Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The visits included Enterprise Ireland education fairs, agent training, information seminars, and university and international school visits. It also included important work with the IUMC (the consortium of Irish medical and dental schools) in Kuala Lumpur, where Professor Deirdre Bennett and Gearoid McCarthy attended on UCC’s behalf.
This work continues to build on the university’s strategy around non-EU enrolment and wider global commitments to internationalisation and strengthening UCC’s reputation abroad. Gearoid commented on the fact that there continues to be considerable interest in the College’s suite of offerings, particularly Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health and Nursing in these regions.
CoMH International Manager, Gearoid McCarthy, presenting to students at the American School of Bahrain in Riffa Alshamali, Bahrain
UCC and other Irish HEI representatives along with Ireland Ambassador to UAE, Alison Milton, at the Education in Ireland event in
Dubai in October
Singapore recognises nine more foreign university medical schools, including UCC School of Medicine
With effect from 1 January 2025, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Medical Council (SMC) will recognise UCC School of Medicine (SOM) along with UCD and RCSI. This is part of SMC’s regular review of the list of recognised medical schools to ensure that foreign-trained medical doctors who apply to practise in Singapore have received training of the highest quality. It brings the total number of recognised overseas medical schools from 103 to 112, including TCD. It considered various factors, such as the international rankings of schools, whether the language of instruction of the schools is compatible with local practice (i.e. in English), as well as the performance of doctors from these universities, so is a great endorsement of the quality of medical education at UCC.
The UCC School of Medicine was previously recognised on its list, so this is a reinstatement after an absence of approximately five years. The SMC had cut the number of eligible schools in 2019 as they sought to grow capacity at home.
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Academic Health Sciences
2nd Annual Chief Academic Officer Conference
The second annual National Chief Academic Officer (CAO) Group conference, held on 14th November at UCD, focused on the transformative potential of digital health.
Chaired by Head of CoMH and CAO to the HSE South West Region, Professor
Helen Whelton, the event which was co-hosted with the HSE explored the theme, Academic Health Science Systems in a Digital Age. Attendees included academics, clinicians, policymakers, and industry leaders. A key focus was the secondary use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) data for research and innovation. Insights were shared by notable figures such as Damien McCallion, Chief Technology & Transfer Officer, HSE, Dr Colm Henry (Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, and international experts including Professor Andrew Taylor, Great Ormond Street Hospital. Speakers highlighted the EHR’s pivotal role in advancing clinical research, personalised medicine, and education. Dr Mike O’Callaghan, ICGP Research Lead, shared lessons from over 25 years of using GP records, highlighting the importance of learning from this wealth of information which exists in the community.
The conference also addressed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare education. UCC Professor George Shorten emphasised the potential of data driven training and augmented reality.
With EHR implementation planned by 2030, Professor Whelton remarked on the enthusiasm for Ireland’s EHR system, underscoring its transformative potential for care, education, and research. The event served to reinforce the academic community’s role in shaping the future of healthcare.
For more information about the CAO Group, visit https://www.ucc.ie/en/academichealthsciences/
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE
Professor Helen Whelton, Head of CoMH, & CAO, HSE SW
Panel discussion incl. Damien McCallion, CTTO HSE; Derek Mitchell, CEO IPPOSI; Emer Doyle, Head of Health Information Policy, Department of Health; Margot Verheijen, ETZ Hospital, Netherlands; Andrew Taylor, DRIVE, Great Ormond Street Hospital
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Academic Health Sciences
Establishing an Academic Health Sciences System in our Region
Over the past number of years, the College has forged strong partnerships with the SSWHG and the Cork-Kerry CHO. With the new Health Region structure of the HSE officially scheduled for March 2025, strong connections have now been developed with the new Regional leadership team.
On Monday, 25th November, we celebrated the inaugural meeting of the UCC-HSE South West Governance and Oversight Group, a high-level group comprising of senior leaders from both institutions, which will meet on a quarterly basis and is co-chaired by UCC President, Professor John O'Halloran, and HSE South West Regional Executive Officer, Dr Andy Phillips.
Our collaborative approach seeks to further imbed education, training, research, and innovation within our healthcare system to enhance outcomes for patients and improve the lives of the communities that our health professionals serve – that is, an Academic Health Sciences System (AHSS).
L-R M Poland, UCC Estates; S Shanahan, HSE SW HSCP
Lead; B O'Sullivan, HSE SW Director of Nursing; (f)J O'Halloran, UCC President; (b) J Cryan, UCC VP Research & Innovation; (f) A Phillips, HSE SW Regional Executive Officer; (b) S Byrne, UCC Deputy President & Registrar; (f) H Whelton, UCC Head of CoMH & CAO HSE SW; (b) P Kearney, HSE SW Clinical Director; (f) D Clifford, HSE SW Estates; D O'Mahony, HSE Director of Research; A Huggard, UCC Dir of Legal & Info Compliance / Deputy Corporate Secretary
Significant progress has already been made to realise an AHSS in our region:
• The strong partnerships between our College and the HSE have enabled responsive training solutions across diverse health and social care professions.
• Our region acted as a pilot region for an NCHD training forum, supported by the NDTP. Key accomplishments of the pilot include enhanced induction for international doctors, simulationbased training development, and mentoring programs.
• Strides have been made in research governance, including the appointment of a dedicated research manager, the establishment of a framework to overcome systemic challenges, and most recently the region welcomed its first Director of Research, Professor Denis O’Mahony.
Looking ahead, we are working towards establishing a co-located research office with the HSE SW and UCC in 2025. A Memorandum of Agreement between UCC and HSE SW has been drafted and is anticipated to be signed by March 2025. This will strengthen our regions AHSS and create opportunities for greater collaboration.
For more information, contact our AHS Office at AHS@ucc.ie
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Jennings Gallery
“Beauty and Wonders of Nature” by artist Mary Rose Day
“Beauty and Wonders of Nature” is an exhibition by Mary Rose Day, featuring oil and watercolour paintings inspired by nature’s beauty, vastness, and power. The exhibition opened at The Jennings Gallery on November 27th, with a lively evening of family, friends, and colleagues supporting Mary Rose.
The paintings range from Roches Point lighthouse and the dramatic coastlines of the Wild Atlantic Way to woodland and mountain scenes, all in oil on canvas. Deep blues, browns, and greys capture the essence and changing moods of nature and the Irish landscape.
The exhibition also includes watercolours portraying the delicacy of flowers, and pen and ink works capturing chickens. Paintings of lily ponds, roses, tulips, and lighthouses around Ireland are featured. The focus is on nature’s everchanging beauty and power, promoting emotional wellbeing.
Artist Mary Rose Day and Professor
The exhibition focuses primarily on the everchanging beauty and power of nature. Being with nature is good for the mind body and soul and makes for emotional wellbeing.
Mary Rose Day, a former lecturer at UCC’s School of Nursing & Midwifery, took early retirement and studied watercolour with Ann Marie Bourke. Mary Rose has been a member of the Shanagarry Art Group since 2024. Find out more about Mary Rose here. Proceeds from the sale of 10 paintings 'The Tranquility Series' will be donated to Alzheimer's Society of Ireland.
Jospehine Hegarty, Chair of The Jennings Gallery Committee, with family at the exhibition launch
CoMH Annual Research Conference
Our Annual Research Conference, “Futures 2024: Transforming Tomorrow’s Health”, took place on 12th December 2024 and highlighted the College’s commitment to advancing health and wellbeing through innovation and collaboration.
The conference showcased the diverse range of fundamental, translational and clinical research in CoMH that is central to UCC Futures and to the Academic Health Sciences in the South West region. Researchers from all career stages showcased and presented their work, made new connections and explored new opportunities for collaboration.
With an excellent Programme of Events Futures 2024, the Conference was divided into three main sessions, each session including a key speaker, 8 Minute Research Talks on Latest Advances, and Elevator Pitches. The conference also hosted almost 120 poster presentations from researchers across CoMH.
The Book of Abstracts and further details are available on the CoMH Research & Innovation website.
Professor Gerard O’Keeffe, CoMH Vice Head for Research & Innovation and Professor Helen Whelton, Head of College and CAO HSE SW
Professor Yvonne Nolan, CoMH Vice Head for Graduate Studies
Attendees at the Conference
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In memory of Dr Ashleigh Byrne O'Brien
In August of this year our beloved colleague Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien sadly died at the young age of thirty-eight. Though her loss is great, we are thankful for the time we were fortunate enough to share with Ashleigh.
Ashleigh graduated from UCC in 2008 with a BSc in Biochemistry and completed her PhD at the University of Glasgow in 2014. She worked as the College's Research and Innovation Coordinator, encouraging and coaching many researchers to success. As well as supporting those more advanced in their research journey, Ashleigh had a particular passion for encouraging early career researchers.
Ashleigh's perseverance in the face of difficulty was remarkable, and she was focused on achieving her many personal and professional goals. She and her husband, Richard O’Brien, shared a love of athleticism and adventure. At the recent memorial event we held in her honour in UCC, Tri Ireland acknowledged her success in duathlons just before the summer, with a presentation to Richard.
Ashleigh had planned to do a challenging endurance event in November. Her husband and his friend completed the marathon course in the mountains of North Lanzarote in her memory. If you would like to donate to her memorial fund, please visit here
Ashleigh had a unique ability to light up any room and inspire everyone around her. We are grateful for the comfort of our memories when we recall her. Her positive spirit will remain a part of all of us who knew her. Ashleigh is deeply missed by her husband Richard, her parents Dr Catherine O’Sullivan and Gerry Byrne, their families and her friends and colleagues in the College of Medicine and Health and the wider University community.
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