Sarah O’Keeffe awarded the Research Ireland St Patrick’s Day Medal for Industry 2026

18 Mar 2026

Taoiseach Micheál Martin presented the prestigious Research Ireland St Patrick’s Day Medal for 2026 to Prof Lynne Taylor, Retter Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy at Purdue University, and Dr Sarah O'Keeffe, Group Vice President for Product Research and Development at Eli Lilly and Company.

The Research Ireland St Patrick’s Day medal honours exceptional academic and industry leaders with strong Irish roots who, from their positions in the United States, continue to champion and support Ireland’s research community.

Dr O'Keeffe, the 2026 recipient of the Medal for Industry, has become one of the most senior Irish leaders in global pharmaceutical R&D, overseeing more than 1,000 scientists and engineers who translate discovery molecules into medicines for patients worldwide. Dr O’Keeffe, a graduate of the School of Chemistry at University College Cork, (BSc 2002, PhD 2007) has been central to major advances in drug development, including the development of the investigational drug candidate orforglipron, which was recognised by TIME magazine for its potential global health impact in management of diabetes and obesity. Now a central figure in the development of the $4.5 billion Lilly Medicine Foundry, she exemplifies how Irish scientific talent can shape the future of advanced biopharma innovation on the global stage.

Dr Diarmuid O'Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, said: “Professor Taylor and Dr O’Keeffe embody the vision we have for Ireland’s research future: excellence, ambition, and far-reaching impact. Their track records to date demonstrate how Irish researchers and global leaders with strong connections to Ireland, play a critical role in advancing scientific discovery in a spirit of international collaboration. As Research Ireland continues to build a more connected, dynamic and competitive national research system, their achievements remind us of the extraordinary potential of Irish talent on the global stage.”

Prof. Anita Maguire, Head of School and Sarah’s PhD supervisor said “Congratulations to Sarah on this prestigious award. We are delighted to see her globally significant achievements and impact throughout her career recognised by Research Ireland and look forward to seeing her career continue to progress into the future.”