We are pleased to introduce the HRCI Annual Report for 2025. At a time when trust in expertise and evidence is being tested around the world, it has felt more important than ever to champion the value of research in Ireland and to ensure that it remains connected to the needs and experiences of the people it is intended to serve.

At the heart of HRCI is a belief that research works best when it is shaped by those people and communities. During 2025, we continued to support our members to strengthen public and patient involvement (PPI), build research partnerships and maximise the impact of the research they fund and champion. In return, our members continued to enrich our work through their insights and willingness to collaborate, helping to ensure that our priorities remain grounded in the needs of the communities they represent.

The Irish Health Research Forum continued to provide a trusted space for discussion and problem-solving. Alongside a major Forum event on patient registries, we piloted smaller workshops focused on advocating for health research. What stood out most at these events in Cork and Dublin was the energy and commitment in the room. It was a reminder of the value of bringing people from different backgrounds together around a common goal.

The HRCI-HRB Joint Funding Scheme remains a cornerstone of our activities. During 2025, we supported participating charities through the early stages of a new funding round while also working with the Health Research Board to introduce improvements informed by member feedback and independent evaluation. We welcome the continued enthusiasm for this unique partnership model, which combines scientific excellence with the priorities and perspectives of patients, families and communities.

We also remained active in influencing the wider research landscape through participation in numerous national committees, advisory groups and partnerships spanning clinical research, genomics, mental health, rare diseases and research policy. This involvement helps ensure that the perspectives of charities and the communities they represent inform national decision-making, while also enabling us to stay abreast of emerging national priorities.