The strategy, Health research – making an impact, recognises that people and patients must be central to the research process and sets out a clear direction for health and social care research over the next five years.

Commenting on the new Strategy, Minister for Health, Mr Stephen Donnelly said,

“This strategy is designed to advance Ireland’s health research capability and ensure that research findings are translated into benefits for people’s health, the health system, and the economy. Through a clear implementation plan the HRB shows what can be achieved in health research if we are ambitious, willing to work together, and above all, put the needs of the public and patients at the heart of what we do.”

Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll, Chief Executive at the HRB believes involving people in the work that the HRB do and the research the HRB funds, leads to improved research, outcomes and lives.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll, said,

“The recent pandemic has highlighted that while our health system depends on the economy, the reverse is also true: without a well-functioning health and research system, economies can quickly grind to a halt. This means we must consider health research a long-term investment positioning us to tackle health challenges and informing us how to prevent illness and improve people’s care.

Over the next five years, we will invest in high-quality health and social care research that has real value and impact – research that shapes policy and practice; research that delivers value for society and the economy; and, most importantly, research that puts people at the centre, improving their health as well as the care they receive.”

In the strategy, the Health Research Board also stressed the importance of international research partnerships. Many of the health challenges we face are global and the HRB is committed to fostering and enhancing European and international coordination, collaboration and engagement in health research, as well as providing continuous support to the Irish health research community to compete in EU funding programmes.

Health research – making an impact will focus on the following:

  • Supporting research that makes a difference for people’s health, society and the economy.
  • Harnessing the potential of data in a regulated way to transform how healthcare is delivered and how we manage our own health.
  • Being an independent voice to provide high-quality evidence that informs policy and practice.
  • Creating a thriving research environment; supporting research careers, ensuring highest standards of governance and ethics, and developing shared infrastructures such as clinical trials and biobanks.
  • Building productive international partnerships to tackle global health and societal challenges like pandemics.
  • Developing the HRB as a progressive place to work to support delivery of strategic actions for 2025.

Read a copy of the HRB strategy-2025, Health research – making an impact, here.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Aileen Gaskin 087 772 4717 or Robyn Keleghan 085 800 1275