Healthcare research with people in mind

A psychology degree paved the way for social gerontology researcher Dr Emma O’Shea to find her calling in dementia and Parkinson’s research. Dr Claire O'Connell speaks to her in this month's HRB blog.

Read the HRB blog featuring Dr Emma O'Shea
Dr Emma O'Shea

€1.9 million for 10 new Applied Partnership Awards

Older people, people with intellectual disabilities, and marginalised communities are among the groups who will benefit from this cycle of awards.

Read more about Applied Partnerships Awards
Partnership concept 3 people rapelling

HRB to increase PhD stipends to €25,000

Effective from October 2023, the HRB will increase its stipend for existing and new HRB-funded PhD candidates from €19,000 to €25,000. The increase will benefit over 80 PhD candidates.

More on HRB stipend increase
PhD student pushing a button

€6.4 million to support the career development of outstanding researchers in health and social care

The 13 new awards will support post-doctoral researchers who are pursuing academic careers and those from clinical backgrounds who wish to further enhance their research experience while remaining embedded in the health service.

HRB Postdoctoral Fellowships news
Hiker helping a colleague to summit a mountain

Factors associated with suicide among people who use drugs

A team of HRB researchers has published a review paper in the journal ‘BMC Psychology’ examining existing evidence on factors associated with suicide among people who use drugs.

More on suicide among people who use drugs
Ena Lynn, HRB Senior Researcher

HRB provides €15 million to support emerging health researchers

Two funding calls, the Emerging Investigator Awards (EIA) and Emerging Clinician Scientist Awards (ECSA) will open on 7 September 2023.

More on EIA and ECSA funding
Three small tree shoots emerging from the soil

HRB releases 2022 alcohol treatment data

The latest figures show an increase in demand for treatment and a rise in polydrug use.

Read the press release

New HRB study explores impact of problem drug use on affected family members

Based on routine data from the HRB's National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS), this study aims to describe characteristics of affected family members seeking treatment in their own right, and the support they receive.

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Disability services - latest figures on current use and future demand

A new HRB report on disability services provides a picture of the services people receive, as well as the services they will need in the next five years. Findings highlight a growing need for adult residential and respite services.

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Text - 73,927 people registered on NASS;45,068 children; 28,895 adults

HRB publishes 2022 data on admissions to psychiatric in-patient facilities

Findings show a continuation of trends seen in recent years, with depressive disorders and schizophrenia the most common diagnoses for adults, while eating disorders remain a key feature of admissions for children and adolescents.

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18 awards for health research events in Ireland

The awards were made under the HRB’s Conference and Events Sponsorship (CES) Scheme, which is designed to facilitate enhanced visibility, reach and pathways to impact for health research.

CES awards announcement
People raising hands at a seminar

Health Research Board reports latest drug-related deaths figures

Findings show an increase in poisonings and reflect both the rise of cocaine use and dangers of mixing drugs.

Read the press release

Drug treatment demand in Ireland 2022

The latest findings by the Health Research Board show cocaine has overtaken opioids to become the most common problem drug.

Read the press release

12 new Definitive Intervention and Feasibility Awards

The awards will support research in areas including cancer, type-1 diabetes, speech and language therapy for pre-schoolers, and pain management following spinal cord injury.

DIFA 2023 award announcement
group of doctors looking at an image

Deaths among people who were homeless at time of death in Ireland, 2019

This feasibility study was commissioned by the Department of Health to address the need to improve understanding of premature mortality among people who are homeless nationally, and to provide more complete and accurate national data to inform policy.

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Horizon Europe Health: Guide for Researchers

Our new online guide to Horizon Europe Health brings together a range of resources to support researchers at every stage of the application process - and explains how the HRB National Contact Point service can help along the way.

Explore the guide

The 2023 HRB Impact Award goes to Professor Orla Hardiman

The award recognises her outstanding research and clinical career which has transformed both the care and wellbeing of people with neurodegenerative conditions and their families.

Read about Orla's award
Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll, Chief Executive, Health Research Board (HRB) presents the 2023 HRB Impact Award to Professor Orla Hardiman, Trinity College Dublin