International award for HRB Clinician Scientist
28 April 2009
Professor Orla Hardiman, HRB Clinician Scientist and Consultant Neurologist at Beaumont Hospital becomes the first Irish recipient of the Sheila Essey Award from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).
- Richard Essey presenting the 2009 Sheila Essey Award from the American Academy of Neurology to Professor Orla Hardiman, HRB Clinician Scientist. (Photo courtsey of the American Academy of Neurology.)
The award recognises people who have made significant contributions in the search for the cause, prevention of, and cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
One in every four hundred is at risk of developing MND during their lifetime. Motor Neurone Disease causes a gradual degradation and death of motor neurones. Professor Stephen Hawking is one of the most well known and longest survivors of the disease, which can be fatal for 50% of sufferers within two to five years of diagnosis.
Professor Hardiman who is also Clinical Professor of Neurology at Trinity College Dublin said: 'The more we understand about the genes that make us prone to neurodegeneration in general, the more likely we are to find new treatments. This is a great honour for my research team which is made up of a highly talented group of young neurologists and scientists. This award will be used to help further develop our research with the overall aim of finding new pathways in Motor Neurone Disease that can be harnessed to develop new treatments.'
Enda Connolly, Chief Executive at the HRB added; 'This is tremendous recognition, not only for Orla and her research team, but also for the potential benefit that their research can have for patients. It is a strong international vote of confidence in Irish patient-focused research activities.'
