Dublin, Ireland – Leaders in health research gathered in Dublin today (May 16th) to mark the tenth anniversary of the Irish Health Research Forum and discuss the need for increased investment in research within the health system. The event, organized by Health Research Charities Ireland (HRCI), emphasized the importance of integrating research into healthcare to ensure patients receive the latest evidence-based care, attract investment in clinical trials, and benefit society and the economy.
Dr Avril Kennan, CEO of HRCI, highlighted the failure of the health system to prioritize research, stating that it hinders the ability to conduct world-class health research. “While Ireland has exceptional talent in the research community, the lack of support from the state hampers our ability to drive quality research initiatives and prevents healthcare staff from getting involved in research,” she remarked.
The Irish Health Research Forum, under the leadership of HRCI, regularly brings together all stakeholders to address pressing issues in health research. Over the past ten years, a consistent plea from attendees has been for increased investment in research infrastructure. Despite this, Ireland’s investment in research and development (R&D) remains at just 0.29% of GDP, significantly below the EU average of 0.71%.
Professor Mark White, Chair of the Irish Health Research Forum, acknowledged the milestone of the Forum’s 10th anniversary and its role in driving positive change in health research throughout Ireland. “We now have 10 years’ worth of valuable, consensus-based recommendations highlighting the difficulties of embedding research into the health ecosystem. It’s time for the government and the health system to shift from listening to action to prevent Ireland from falling further behind the rest of Europe,” he said.
In conjunction with the anniversary event, the Irish Health Research Forum released a special report titled “Celebrating 10 Years of the Irish Health Research Forum.” The report delves into the transformative journey of health research in Ireland over the past decade, highlighting key themes from previous Forum recommendations. It served as a foundation for today’s discussions among national leaders in health research at the Aisling Hotel in Dublin, where they reflected on past achievements and charted a course to address urgent priorities.
The Irish Health Research Forum has been a catalyst for positive change and advancement in health research for the past ten years. The recommendations it produces repeatedly highlight the need for investment in various health research supports, including patient registries, biobanks, research ethics committees, and patient and public involvement initiatives.
Dr Avril Kennan and Professor Mark White are available for interviews.
The Irish Health Research Forum was established in 2014 by HRCI in response to a seminal report titled “The Health Research Landscape in Ireland: What Researchers Say,” authored by Professor Bernie Hannigan. Supported by funding from Pobal, the Forum has emerged as a leading force driving positive change in health research.
The Forum is supported by a diverse Steering Group consisting of leaders from various organizations, including Cancer Trials Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the HRB National Clinical Trials Office, HSE Research and Development, Irish Research Nurses & Midwives, the National Children’s Research Centre, the National PPI Ignite Network, the National Research Ethics Committee Office, and Science Foundation Ireland, as well as research policy experts, representatives of HRCI members, researchers, clinical research centers, industry, patients, and the public.
HRCI is the national umbrella organization of charities active in health, medical, and social care research, representing over 2 million people in Ireland. Through support and advocacy, HRCI represents their joint interests with the vision of improved lives through a united community of health research charities. HRCI offers its members the potential for matched research funding through the Joint Funding Scheme, in partnership with the Health Research Board. They also run the Irish Health Research Forum, bringing together all stakeholders to improve health research in Ireland.
For more information, please visit www.hrci.ie.
PRESS CONTACT
Linda McGrath
Events & Communications Manager
Health Research Charities Ireland – HRCI
linda@hrci.ie
0863906054
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