Professor Geraldine McCarthy, Consultant in Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Clinical Professor of Medicine, University College Dublin and Honorary Associate Professor Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, RCSI was awarded the Dr Jacques Servier Scholarship by the Institut Servier in conjunction with the Ireland Fund of France and RCSI at a special reception on the Wednesday, 20 April in the French Embassy in Dublin.

Professor McCarthy received the award in recognition of her research on the biological effects of crystals in human disease. Crystals found in the human body are important causes of human disease such as gout, osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis, however their formation, breakdown and actions are poorly understood.

Professor McCarthy has collaborated with Professor Frederic Liote, Professor of Rheumatology, Paris Diderot University and Hôpital Lariboisière, France to advance the understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation and tissue reaction to crystals as well as their role in causing osteoarthritis and aggravating cardiovascular disease.  Their research has also focused on techniques to identify crystals, particularly in the joint, with the ultimate aim of their research focusing on establishing new therapeutic approaches to crystal induced diseases.

The Dr Jacques Servier Scholarship is awarded to a researcher in Ireland who has collaborated with French researchers to advance Ireland - France Biomedical research collaboration. It promotes scientific exchange between the medical community, healthcare industry, universities and research organisations particularly in the field of therapeutic research.

Dr Lucy Vincent, General Director of External Affairs for the Servier Group who presented the award, said: "I would like to congratulate Professor McCarthy on receiving the Servier Award and for the research she has carried out with Professor Liote in the area of human crystals. We are delighted to recognise Professor McCarthy for her contribution to fostering scientific collaborations between Ireland and France. Her research collaborations make her a worthy recipient of the award."

Pierre Joannon, President d'Honneur of the Ireland Fund of France, said: "Since its inception six years ago, the Servier Award has greatly contributed to enhancing Franco-Irish relations, particularly in the area of medical and scientific research collaborations. I would like to congratulate Professor McCarthy on receiving this award."

Dr Terry McWade, Deputy CEO, RCSI, said: "This award recognises not only Professor McCarthy's achievements in research and science, but also the importance of collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise between Ireland and France. I am delighted that Professor McCarthy and her collaboration with her French colleagues have been recognised in this way."