Minister Damien English TD, Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, today launched RCSI’s new research strategy, Improving Human Health – RCSI’s Strategy for Excellence in Translational Research 2014 – 2020.

The strategy will focus on innovative research that leads to better diagnostics, therapeutics and devices. It will also tackle important healthcare delivery issues, inform policy and clinical practice and enhance the quality of education of healthcare professionals.

Speaking at the launch Minister Damien English said: “Ireland’s position in the global research community continues to grow and it is an exciting time for research here. Together with my Government colleagues, we have an ambitious agenda for Ireland to become the best small country in the world in which to do business. This requires transformation in many sectors of our society and prioritised research areas have a key role to play in this change. RCSI’s Strategy for Excellence in Translational Research supports the research priorities identified in the Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group, and is in alignment with both national and European research funding strategies.”

The plans for developing research and innovation at RCSI are based on RCSI’s current strategic roadmap ‘Growth & Excellence 2013 – 2017’. As an exclusively health sciences focused institution with strong links to acute hospitals and institutions that reflect the wide diversity of healthcare facilities and needs, RCSI is uniquely placed to develop and enhance translational research for the benefit of patients and the healthcare system.

Professor Ray Stallings, Director of Research, RCSI said: “In alignment with RCSI’s strategic roadmap and current national research funding strategies, our research strategy ‘Excellence in Translational Research’ is aimed at bringing RCSI research closer to applications for the benefit of patients, the healthcare system and populations and to succeed in our mission to improve human health.“

RCSI’s Strategy for Excellence in Translational Research 2014 – 2020 priorities: 

• Build capacity in translational research
• Promote applied research and knowledge transfer
• Promote population health and health services research
• Strengthen the intersection of research and education
• Develop human resources strategy for researchers
• Enhance research governance
• Deliver and disseminate impactful research

It was also announced today that a newly formed Office of Research and Innovation will provide an integrated service to researchers ranging from translational biomedical research to the commercialisation of research for the benefit of society.