Professor Hilary Humphreys, Head of the Department of Clinical Microbiology, RCSI has been elected President of the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS).

Professor Humphreys, who is also Dean of the Faculty of Pathology, Royal College of Physicians in Ireland, commenced his four-year term as the HIS president at its recent international conference in Liverpool.

Congratulating Professor Humphreys on his appointment, RCSI CEO Professor Cathal Kelly said: “We are delighted that Professor Humphreys’ leadership role has been recognised internationally, and believe that it will contribute to him and his colleagues furthering patients’ safety in our own healthcare system as well as internationally”.

The Society has over 1,100 members from across the world who are experts in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance. Members are predominantly consultant clinical microbiologists and doctors enrolled on an infection specialty training programme, but also senior nurses and scientists.

Alongside an International Conference which is organised every two years, the HIS publishes the Journal of Hospital Infection, runs a programme of training and events, develops related resources, produces evidence-based publications and guidance, awards research funding, and many other activities that supports and represent members.