School of Pharmacy Researchers Recognised at the SSPC Awards
Researchers from the School of Pharmacy, UCC were recognised for excellence in research, engagement, industry impact, and professional development at the 2025 SSPC Awards. SSPC is the Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceutical Research.
The SSPC Investigator of the Year award was presented to Professor Abina Crean in recognition of her outstanding contributions to pharmaceutical sciences. A leader in her field, Professor Crean’s work spans pharmaceutical formulation, impactful industry collaborations, and the mentorship of future scientific leaders. This award acknowledges her long-standing impact on pharmaceutical research in Ireland and reinforces UCC’s reputation for scientific leadership. Her dedication to advancing safe, effective medicines continues to influence both academic and commercial research across the country.
Dr Ayat Elgammal was awarded SSPC Education & Public Engagement (EPE) Champion of the Year. She has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible and engaging for the wider community. This award recognises the power of communication in strengthening the relationship between science and society, an area where UCC continues to lead through inclusive and meaningful engagement.
In industry-focused categories, Dr Ayse Kont received the SSPC Industry Impact of the Year Award for her collaborative project with Boston Scientific and SSPC. Her work demonstrated how academic research can deliver measurable improvements within industry settings, supporting innovation and contributing to advancements in pharmaceutical and medical technologies. This recognition highlights the value of strong partnerships between universities and industry.
PhD student Claudia Giannachi was a joint recipient of the SSPC Industry Placement Award, alongside Aoife Cotter from the University of Limerick, for their five-month placement at MSD Cork, where they contributed to critical development work supporting vaccine manufacture. Their experience demonstrates the importance of high-quality industry placements in preparing students for impactful careers. Claudia’s award also reflects UCC’s commitment to providing students with opportunities that bridge academic study and real-world scientific challenges.
Congratulations to all the winners, whose achievements showcase UCC’s excellence, impact, and dedication to developing future scientific leaders.
