Our Members
Health Research Charities Ireland has over 40 charities member charities. Together, they represent over 2 million people in Ireland. Our members range from large research funding charities to small, voluntary-run patient organisations. They span many areas of health, including rare diseases, childhood illnesses, dementia, mental health, and many forms of chronic illness and disability. All have a strong focus on health, medical or social care research.
The members of HRCI invested more than €18 million in research in 2021. Beyond financial investment, they ensure the relevance of research to the communities they represent, communicate its findings and insist that it has impact for people. Together these charities provide a beautiful example of what research means to people and families and how the impact of research reaches every village in Ireland.
Click here to read the HRCI Guide for our members. It describes our strategic aims, the work we do, our organisational structure, Board of Directors and staff. It also explains the acronyms you may come across as a HRCI member.
Note: while we frequently use the terms patients, due to our strong focus on health research, some of our members represent older adults, carers and other groups in society.
Adelaide Health Foundation
The Adelaide Health Foundation is a voluntary charitable organisation which has as its principal object the advancement of healthcare. We deliver this through investment in nursing and medical education and health policy research. We also support patients and patient care in Tallaght University Hospital and in the local community. http://www.adelaide.ie/
All Ireland Institute of Hospice & Palliative Care (AIIHPC)
A collaborative of hospices, health & social care organisations & universities which advances education http://aiihpc.org/
Alpha One Foundation
The Alpha One Foundation was established in 2001 to promote research into Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) and to improve the diagnosis, treatment, life expectancy and quality of life of people with this inherited condition. www.alpha1.ie
Alzheimer Society of Ireland
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. It is a national voluntary organisation that aims to provide people with all forms of dementia, their families and carers with the necessary support to maximise their quality of life. www.alzheimer.ie
Arthritis Ireland
Arthritis Ireland is the only national charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for people of all ages with arthritis www.arthritisireland.ie
Breakthrough Cancer Research
Breakthrough Cancer Research funds the efficient and effective development of new treatments for cancer. We work to significantly impact the number of people who can survive this disease. www.breakthroughcancerresearch.ie
Central Remedial Clinic
Working together to make a positive difference to the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and carers. https://www.crc.ie/
Childrens Health Foundation
Children’s Health Foundation raises vital funds to support sick children and their families in Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres in Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly https://www.childrenshealth.ie//
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland was set up in 1963 to increase knowledge and awareness of CF and to give advice and support to people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families. http://www.cfireland.ie/
Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland
The CFRI is a registry organisation which records, stores and analyses relevant data about the health and medical treatment of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Republic of Ireland. By collecting and analysing information on all people with CF in Ireland, we can better understand their health and wellbeing, and the treatments they receive.
www.cfri.ie
Cystinosis Ireland
Cystinosis Ireland was founded in 2003 by those living with cystinosis and their families. The organisation continues to be led by people with personal experience of living with cystinosis. Cystinosis Ireland provides support and resources to families, medical professionals, researchers and invests in research to better understand the condition, develop better therapies and ultimately a cure. www.cystinosis.ie
DEBRA
DEBRA Ireland is the national charity established in1988 to provide patient support services and to drive research into treatments and cures for those living with the genetic skin condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB). http://www.debraireland.org/
Disability Federation of Ireland
DFI is a federation of member organisations working with people with disabilities to implement the UN CRPD and ensure their equal participation in society.
www.disability-federation.ie
Dystonia Ireland
The aims of Dystonia Ireland are to promote and encourage scientific research into the causes and treatments of dystonia, raise the level of awareness amongst the general public and the medical profession, offer support and information to all people with dystonia and their families nationwide. As the national support group for dystonia, we also represent the interests of our members with international support agencies and dystonia networks. http://www.dystonia.ie/
Epilepsy Ireland
Epilepsy Ireland is committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy in Ireland. Brainwave provides a wide range of services aimed at people with epilepsy, their parents, families and friends as well as raising epilepsy awareness and funding epilepsy research. http://www.epilepsy.ie/
Family Carers Ireland
FCI is a national membership charity for carers, working to improve supports, services, and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled, or has mental health difficulties. Through out network of 22 resource centres and 66 support groups we engage with approximately 20,000 family carers throughout the year. https://familycarers.ie/
Fighting Blindness
Fighting Blindness is an Irish patient-led charity funding & enabling world-leading research into treatments & cures for blindness. Through education and advocacy Fighting Blindness works to empower everyone in Ireland living with severe vision impairment. For more information, visit www.FightingBlindness.ie
Irish Cancer Society
The Irish Cancer Society aims to improve the lives of those affected by cancer, by providing up to date information and a range of services, by influencing change and raising awareness of cancer issues. www.cancer.ie
The Irish Heart Foundation
The Irish Heart Foundation is a national charity whose mission is to lead in improving the cardiovascular health of people living in Ireland so they do not experience disability or die from preventable heart, stroke and other blood vessel diseases. www.irishheart.ie
Irish Hospice Foundation
Irish Hospice Foundation is a national charity that addresses dying, death and
bereavement in Ireland. Our vision is an Ireland where people facing dying,
death and bereavement are provided with the information, care and support
that they need. Our mission is to work towards the best end-of-life and
bereavement care for all. www.hospicefoundation.ie
The Irish Kidney Association
The Irish Kidney Association is a national charitable voluntary organisation founded in 1978. It is a charity for patients led by patients. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of people living with and affected by end-stage kidney disease. These needs are spread across all aspects of life – medical, social, and psychological. The profile of the kidney patient ranges from infanthood to the elderly who are undergoing various methods of treatment: haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.www.ika.ie
Irish Liver Foundation
The Irish Liver Foundation Charity was set up in 2022 in order to bring together a community of adult and paediatric patients affected by liver disease with healthcare professionals and researchers in the field. www.liverfoundation.ie
Irish Lung Fibrosis Association
ILFA is the national patient organisation supporting patients diagnosed with lung fibrosis, their families, and healthcare professionals working in respiratory medicine who have an interest in Lung Fibrosis. Our aim is to support patients, education, and research into lung fibrosis. www.ilfa.ie
Irish Thoracic Society
The Irish Thoracic Society is the official society for the broad spectrum of healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with chronic or acute respiratory disease in Ireland www.irishthoracicsociety.com
MS Ireland
MS Ireland exists to enable and empower people affected by Multiple Sclerosis to live the life of their choice to their fullest potential www.ms-society.ie
MSD Action Foundation
MSD Action Foundation and SavingDylan.com were established in 2015. To promote and support research advancements that will lead to improvements in clinical outcomes, life expectancy and quality of life for patients suffering from Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency. www.savingdylan.com/
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland aims to provide information, advice and support to people with neuromuscular conditions and their families through a range of support services. http://www.mdi.ie/
Oesophageal Cancer Fund
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), fill the gap in support, awareness, and research for Oesophageal Cancer—a disease that impacts 500 families in Ireland each year. In fact, Ireland faces one of the highest rates of this cancer globally which is the sixth leading cause of cancer related deaths. Therefore, the fight against Oesophageal Cancer is urgent and real. Early detection is our best weapon in increasing the 5-year survival rates of just 24% in the Republic of Ireland and 19% in Northern Ireland. Treatment typically involves radiation, chemotherapy and/or surgery to remove the oesophagus with implications for diet, sleep and exercise that last a lifetime. www.ocf.ie
Parkinson’s Ireland
Parkinson’s Ireland is a charity, based in Dublin with branches throughout the country. Our aim is to assist people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers, health professionals and other interested people by offering support, a listening ear and information on any aspect of living with Parkinson’s. https://www.parkinsons.ie/
Retina International
The mission of Retina International is to foster research and to ensure universal access to diagnosis, treatment and care for people affected by Retinal Degenerative Disease. https://retina-international.org
Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland
The Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland is an association of parents and families of people affected with Rett Syndrome and other related disorders. http://www.rettsyndrome.ie/
The Crann Centre
The Crann Centre is pioneering a transformative 2Generation (2Gen) model of care that supports both children and adults along with their families, living with neuro-physical disabilities. Crann’s 2Gen model of care is focused on 6 areas of support in health, wellbeing and participation, delivered through holistic & comprehensive wraparound care programmes enabling better health & wellbeing outcomes and increased opportunities for participation in education, work and leisure. www.cranncentre.ie
The Meath Foundation
The Meath Foundation’s mission is to honour the traditions of the past through the
continuous support of research, education, quality improvement, innovation and the arts. The Foundation is a charity that was established in 1998 following the opening of Tallaght University Hospital (TUH). https://www.meathfoundation.com/
The Rotunda Foundation
The Rotunda Foundation is the official fundraising arm for the Rotunda Hospital. We raise funds to support the outstanding care delivered at the Hospital. Donations fund additional vital equipment, family and baby care initiatives and research. http://www.rotundafoundation.ie//
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Research Foundation
The main objective of the Research Foundation at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin is to promote and foster research into Ophthalmological and Otorhinolaryngological diseases. In addition, the Research Foundation provides electrophysiology and specialist investigative services to support the Inherited Retinal Diseases clinic at the RVEEH and to support Ophthalmology departments at other hospitals and clinics throughout Ireland.
https://www.rveeh.ie/education-research/research-foundation/
Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Ireland
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Ireland advocates for and supports Sickle Cell patients and their families. Since its foundation in 2012 SCTI projects include: educational programmes on Sickle Cell; training for physicians; supporting young people in disease management; provision of basics for children attending hospital; advocating for national screening programme.https://sicklecellireland.ie/
St John of God Research Foundation
The Saint John of God Research works to promote and support the development of research strategies in the areas of Intellectual Disability, Adult Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Mental Health, in line with the Order’s research mission and national / international developments. http://www.sjog.ie/
St Patrick's Mental Health Services
St Patrick’s Mental Health Services is Ireland’s largest independent, not-for-profit mental health service. The hospital, in conjunction with the TCD School of Psychiatry and St. James’ Hospital have developed a vigorous and broad-based programme of clinical research over the past thirty years. www.stpatricks.ie
St Vincent's Anaesthesia Foundation
St. Vincent’s Anaesthesia Foundation is a Charity Trust , set up to support and promote the advancement of education & research in relation to Anaesthesia, Intensive Care & Pain Medicine. http://www.sedda.ie/
22q11 Ireland
The 22q11 Ireland Support Group was set up to provide help, support and accurate information to Irish families. 22q11 Deletion syndrome is a complex variable condition with over 180 different symptoms caused by a micro-deletion on the 22nd chromosome. No two persons with 22qDS will have exactly the same symptoms and some individuals will develop newer ones over time. https://www.22q11ireland.org/