A new five-year strategic plan launched today will see RCSI enhance human health by meeting the health workforce needs of society, creating the insights and inventions that drive health improvements, and working in partnership with patients and the public in support of better health and well-being for all.

Innovating for a Healthier Future 2023-2027 sets out a roadmap for the next five years and unites the RCSI community in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals – with a particular focus on Goal 3, which targets good health and well-being. 

The world’s leading university for impact on good health and well-being in the 2023 Times Higher Education impact rankings, RCSI is committed to enhancing human health through education, research and societal engagement.  

Key developments in the next five years will include the expansion of the RCSI campus through the opening of a landmark education and public engagement building at 118 St Stephen’s Green and a new education and research building at Connolly Hospital, Dublin. Further priorities include advancing new professional models to meet healthcare needs, expanding the RCSI School of Population Health, and embedding digital health as a core theme.  

The strategy will see a particular emphasis on engagement and involvement with patients, the public and the community, and a deepening of RCSI’s academic partnerships with healthcare providers and healthcare professionals. Surgical and emergency medicine care will be advanced through high-quality training and support.  

Evolving healthcare landscape

Innovative curricula across undergraduate and postgraduate courses will prepare students to thrive in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape while promoting student success and early-career readiness. Targeted projects will enrich student life, amplify the learner voice and engagement, and widen learner participation and access.  

Further investment in established clusters of research excellence and a concentration on collaboration and clinical translation will enhance the impact of RCSI’s research on patient outcomes. The impact of research commercialisation and industry engagement will be maximised.  

Sustainable development and growth is the foundation of the strategy, with a particular focus on attracting and retaining the best talent, embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion, developing campus and digital infrastructure, and improving business operations.  

Enhanced impact

Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor, RCSI said: “RCSI is privileged to have a deep professional responsibility to enhance human health. By supporting the development of the current and future healthcare workforce and developing research that creates the insights and inventions that drive healthcare improvements, we will further enhance our impact on healthcare and societal wellbeing.” 

“RCSI is built on the talents of its people. Achieving the sustainable impact we have envisaged through our new strategy is entirely powered by their achievements. I am deeply grateful to them for their dedication and commitment to our shared goals,” added Professor Kelly.  

Professor Laura Viani, President, RCSI said: “We are committed to advancing our mission of improving human health and are excited about the opportunities ahead to create a healthier future. We are grateful to the internal and external stakeholders who have contributed to the development of this strategy. The valuable input and collaboration have enriched our approach and have instilled a sense of enthusiasm for what lies ahead.”