The Irish Health Research Forum

HRCI (then the Medical Research Charities Group) commissioned an assessment of Ireland’s health research landscape in 2014. The resulting report, The Health Research Landscape in Ireland: What Researchers Say, authored by Professor Bernie Hannigan) recommended the establishment of the Irish Health Research Forum.

We enthusiastically took on the task of creating the Irish Health Research Forum, envisioned as a mechanism to provide a single Irish voice for research aimed at improving health outcomes. Despite our modest size, HRCI’s independence and focus on patient and public needs have uniquely positioned us to convene diverse stakeholders. Under HRCI’s leadership, the Forum has emerged as a prominent force driving change and fostering positive advancements in health research in Ireland.

At a 2024 event celebrating 10 years of the Irish Health Research Forum, we heard from key stakeholders such as Science Foundation Ireland, the Department of Health, and the HSE how the collective voice of the Forum has informed policy making, innovation and change.

One area in which the Forum has had notable impact is genetics and genomics. Two dedicated Forum events on the topic facilitated important discussions, culminating in a recommendation for a national genetics and genomics strategy. A national strategy was subsequently developed by the HSE. HRCI played an active role in its creation, and we continue to be closely involved in its implementation.

Speaking at the third annual BioBANC Symposium (a key forum for the Irish biobanking community), Prof Jens Habermann, Director General of BBMRI-ERIC, commended the Irish Health Research Forum’s efforts to unite stakeholders and establish a shared vision, describing it as a significant milestone for Irish biobanking. According to Prof Habermann, a unified vision is key: engaging all stakeholders will set a foundation to propel Irish biobanking forward with strength and cohesion.