College of Medicine and Health Annual Research Conference Showcases Innovation and Partnership

8 Sep 2025

The theme of the conference was 'Academic Health Sciences System.'

The College of Medicine and Health (CoMH) proudly hosted its highly successful annual research conference on Wednesday, 3rd September, in the Western Gateway Building. This year’s conference brought together researchers, clinicians, and healthcare leaders to explore the theme 'Academic Health Sciences System', highlighting the transformative potential of academic and health service collaboration in delivering innovation and excellence in healthcare.

The conference attracted over 300 registrations and received more than 150 abstract submissions from researchers across a wide range of disciplines, including Future Medicines, Future Ageing & Brain Science, Children’s Health, Food, Microbiome & Health, and Health Services Research.

The day was filled with insightful oral and poster presentations and engaging discussions, showcasing the cutting-edge research and clinical expertise that define UCC’s role as a leader in health sciences. 

The conference theme, 'Academic Health Sciences System', set the tone for a day of inspiring presentations, innovation, and collaboration between academia and healthcare.

Leadership Reflections

The event was formally opened by Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC, who emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships:

"This year’s conference theme – the Academic Health Sciences System – represents the kind of interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral collaboration that UCC is prioritising. It’s a model where universities and health systems work as partners and engage with industry in shaping education, informing policy, driving innovation, and delivering better care and outcomes for patients and communities. The partnership between UCC and HSE South West is a flagship example of that approach.”

Conference Highlights

The conference programme featured four invited speakers - Dr Simon Woodworth, Prof Roisin Connolly, Prof Denis O'Mahony and Prof Patricia Kearney - and a wealth of oral presentations carefully selected from submitted abstracts. Presenters delivered their research in two engaging formats:

• Eight-minute “Latest Advances” talks

• Three-minute “Elevator Pitches”

This innovative format showcased the diversity of health sciences research while encouraging dynamic knowledge sharing and collaboration.

For a full overview of the day’s sessions, view the Programme of Events.

Panel Discussion: Building an Academic Health Sciences System

Opening our afternoon session, Professor Helen Whelton, Head of CoMH and Chief Academic Officer HSE South West, highlighted the role of research in advancing health outcomes:

"This conference brings together researchers whose work sits at the interface of healthcare and academia – colleagues who are delivering impactful research within and alongside our health service. Their research is a powerful demonstration of the impact of true partnership; research that is aligned with the health needs of our population.”

A highlight of the day was the afternoon panel discussion featuring colleagues from HSE South West - Dr Andy Phillips, Regional Executive Officer, HSE SW, Professor Denis O’Mahony, Director of Research, HSE SW and Ms Rafaela Carapeto, Research Manager, HSE SW. HSE colleagues were joined on the panel by Dr Siobhan Cusack, Director of Research Strategy & Projects, UCC, Professor Gene Dempsey, Professor of Neonatology, CUH & UCC, and Professor Frances Shiely, Professor of Clinical Trials, UCC. 

The panel outlined their vision for an integrated Academic Health Sciences System for the South West region. Speaking at the session, Dr Andy Phillips expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration:

“HSE South West is delighted to be working closely with University College Cork as our Academic Partner as together we build a healthcare system that our communities are proud of. We are committed to developing an Academic Health Sciences System that will rapidly bring innovative care to the people of Cork and Kerry alongside world-class research that will catalyse wealth creation and new jobs in our area.”

Celebrating Impact and Excellence

Professor Ger O’Keeffe, Vice Head for Research and Innovation, CoMH, commended the scale and quality of research on display:

“We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to this year’s conference. This event demonstrates the breadth and depth of research across our community, and the powerful impact of collaboration between academia and health services.” Prof O'Keeffe thanked all those involved in making the conference a success saying: "We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to making today’s event a success. Your efforts, too numerous to name individually, are truly valued."

The conference was a true celebration of innovation, excellence, and partnership. It reinforced CoMH’s commitment to driving healthcare innovation, translating research into real-world practice and strengthening Ireland’s position as a leader in medical research and education.

With a vibrant exchange of ideas, cutting-edge presentations, and growing partnerships, this year’s conference underscored CoMH’s mission to deliver meaningful health impacts for patients, populations, and communities while supporting economic growth through research-driven innovation.

Congratulations to our Prize Winners!

We extend our congratulations to all oral and poster presenters and give special recognition to the prize winners for their outstanding achievements. Image Credit: Dr Ken O’Riordan

Student Poster Winners

Fatma El-Komy, School of Pharmacy

Aman Saifi, School of Medicine

Student Oral Presentation

Nora O'Connor, School of Public Health

Zoë Williams, School of Medicine and APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC

Staff Poster

José Ángel Salas-Millán, APC Microbiome Ireland

'Latest Advances' Talk

Dr Aoife Fleming, School of Pharmacy UCC and Vice Head of Interprofessional Learning, CoMH

Please see for the Book of Abstracts  for further details.