University College Cork Hosts the International Social Pharmacy Workshop 2026
The School of Pharmacy at University College Cork (UCC) was delighted to host the International Social Pharmacy Workshop (ISPW) 2026, welcoming delegates from across the globe for four inspiring days of scientific exchange, collaboration, and innovation under the conference theme "Pharmacy First, People Foremost."
The International Social Pharmacy Workshop is one of the leading global forums for advancing research and practice in social pharmacy. ISPW 2026 brought together researchers, educators, clinicians, policymakers, and students to share ideas, foster collaborations, and explore how pharmacy can continue to improve patient care and address future healthcare challenges.
The conference featured an extensive scientific programme centred around five key themes: Pharmacist-led Healthcare, Interprofessional Healthcare, Person-centred Healthcare, Future of Pharmacy, and Sustainable Healthcare. Delegates participated in an engaging schedule of keynote lectures, workshops, oral presentations, poster sessions, panel discussions, and networking events, creating valuable opportunities for learning and international collaboration.
The conference was officially opened by co-Chairs Professor Laura Sahm and Dr Michelle O'Driscoll, who welcomed delegates to University College Cork and highlighted the importance of bringing together the international social pharmacy community to exchange knowledge and shape the future of the profession.
Over the four-day programme, delegates heard from an outstanding line-up of internationally recognised keynote speakers covering a broad range of topics, including artificial intelligence in healthcare, person-centred pharmacy practice, pharmacy-led healthcare innovation, implementation science, medication safety, pharmacist wellbeing, sustainable use of medicines, and the evolving role of pharmacy in improving healthcare outcomes.
Alongside the keynote programme, interactive workshops and oral and poster presentation sessions showcased cutting-edge research from around the world. Discussions explored innovative approaches to pharmacy education, patient communication, emotional intelligence, implementation science, interprofessional collaboration, sustainability, and the future of pharmacy practice. Throughout the conference, delegates exchanged ideas, established new collaborations, and strengthened international research networks.
Beyond the scientific programme, ISPW 2026 celebrated the importance of community and connection. Delegates enjoyed networking opportunities during coffee breaks, social events, a guided tour of University College Cork, a visit to Pfizer's manufacturing facility in Ringaskiddy, and the conference Gala Dinner, all of which highlighted the welcoming atmosphere of both UCC and Cork.
Excellence in research was recognised during the closing ceremony, where Professor Abina Crean, Head of the School of Pharmacy at UCC, presented awards for outstanding oral and poster presentations:
- Best Oral Presentation: Shaheena Fakhir
- Second Best Oral Presentation: Heba Aref
- Best Poster Presentation: Margaret Bermingham
- Second Best Poster Presentation: Ailbhe O'Mahoney
One of the highlights of the closing ceremony was the announcement that Macao will host ISPW 2028. Following conference tradition, the ISPW bell,which marked the opening and closing of each conference day in Cork, was rung one final time before being passed to the Macao organising team, symbolising the continuation of the International Social Pharmacy Workshop's global journey.
Professor Abina Crean concluded the conference by reflecting on the success of ISPW 2026 and thanking the delegates, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and organising committee for their contributions. Special recognition was given to Professor Laura Sahm and Dr Michelle O'Driscoll, whose vision, leadership, and dedication were instrumental in delivering an exceptional international conference. Alongside the Local Organising Committee included Dr Teresa M. Barbosa, Dr Edel Burton, Dr Fatma El-Komy, Ms Bronagh Clarke, Ms Aisha Murphy, and Ms Kathleen Williamson, whose commitment and hard work were instrumental in delivering a seamless and memorable conference experience.
The organising committee was also supported by an exceptional team of undergraduate and postgraduate students, whose enthusiasm, professionalism, and invaluable assistance ensured the smooth running of the conference throughout the four days. Their contribution to welcoming delegates, supporting sessions, and assisting with conference activities was greatly appreciated by delegates and organisers alike.
Throughout ISPW 2026, the conference theme, "Pharmacy First, People Foremost," was reflected in every keynote, workshop, discussion, and collaboration. The conference reinforced the essential role of pharmacy in delivering person-centred, evidence-based, and sustainable healthcare while strengthening the international partnerships that will continue to shape the future of the profession.
The high quality of the research presented at ISPW 2026 will extend beyond the conference itself. Conference abstracts will be published in a special issue of Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy (RSAP), ensuring that the innovative research and discussions shared in Cork will be accessible to the wider international pharmacy community.
ISPW 2026 was proudly sponsored by AbbVie, Pfizer, Fáilte Ireland, and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), with valued support from the conference's partner journals, Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy (RSAP) and Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy (ERCSP). Their generous support helped make ISPW 2026 an outstanding international event, enabling a world-class scientific programme and fostering collaboration across the global social pharmacy community.
The School of Pharmacy extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making ISPW 2026 such a memorable and successful event and looks forward to continuing these collaborations at ISPW 2028 in Macao.
