Six School of Pharmacy, UCC Staff Recognised in Irish Pharmacy News Dynamic 100
The School of Pharmacy, University College Cork has been strongly represented in the Irish Pharmacy News Dynamic 100 for 2025, with six members of staff recognised for their leadership, innovation and impact on the pharmacy profession in Ireland.
The Dynamic 100, published annually by Irish Pharmacy News, celebrates individuals who are shaping pharmacy practice, education and research through sustained contribution and influence. The inclusion of six UCC academics in the 2025 list reflects the School of Pharmacy’s national and international standing, and its ongoing role in advancing healthcare education and pharmaceutical science.
Professor Stephen Byrne, Deputy President and Registrar of the School of Pharmacy, has been recognised for his leadership in shaping the academic and professional landscape of pharmacy. In 2025, he has played a key role in advancing pharmacy education through curriculum modernisation, ensuring graduates are prepared for expanded clinical roles in prescribing, digital health and patient care. He has also championed collaboration between academia, healthcare providers and policymakers, while continuing to mentor future leaders in the profession.
Dr Aoife Fleming, Senior Lecturer and Director of the MPharm Programme, has been recognised for her dynamic leadership in healthcare education and interprofessional learning. A recipient of the UCC Staff Recognition Award for Leadership in 2025, she has led major initiatives that strengthen collaboration across health disciplines. Her work includes chairing the All-Ireland Interprofessional Healthcare Challenge at UCC since 2019, alongside involvement in Department of Health-commissioned projects on sepsis and antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Suzanne McCarthy, Senior Pharmacy Lecturer and Co-chair of the School of Pharmacy’s Athena Swan Committee, has been recognised for her leadership in advancing equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging within the academic community. She recently accepted an Award for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging on behalf of the School, reflecting her role in driving cultural change and fostering a strong sense of inclusion for staff and students.
Professor Laura Sahm, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, has been recognised for her contribution to professional leadership and patient-focused research. In June 2025, she was elected Vice-President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council. Her career spans community, hospital and pharmaceutical industry settings, and her research focuses on health literacy, medication adherence, patient and public involvement, and improving communication between healthcare providers and patients.
Professor Christian Waeber, Head of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, has been recognised following his receipt of the 2025 John F Kennedy Medal from the Irish Association of Pharmacologists. The award acknowledges his sustained contribution to pharmacology research, education and postgraduate training. During his time at UCC, he has led significant advances in drug development, migraine and stroke research, and neurovascular pharmacology, and has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications.
Professor Caitríona O’Driscoll, Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutics, has been recognised for her pioneering contributions to pharmaceutical science and RNA therapeutics. A former Head of the School of Pharmacy, she has built an internationally recognised research programme in non-viral RNA delivery and has led major collaborative projects across national research centres. Now Emeritus Professor and Director of UCC Futures – Future Medicines, she continues to shape the future of advanced therapeutics research at UCC and beyond.
The recognition of six staff members in the 2025 Dynamic 100 represents a significant achievement for University College Cork and highlights the strength, diversity and impact of expertise within its School of Pharmacy.
Biographical information adapted from the Irish Pharmacy News Dynamic 100 2025 profiles.
Read the full article on the Irish Pharmacy News website.