School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Report by Professor Helena Kelly, Head of School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences has continued its impressive growth across both education and research, enabling us to meet the increasing demand for a skilled workforce in patient-facing and scientific roles, as well as better therapies and interventional strategies for patients.

We saw record class sizes across the MPharm, BSc in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies and MSc in Technologies and Analytics in Precision Medicine programmes, alongside continued research success. The School also contributes extensively to RCSI’s Medical, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Physician Associate programmes.

This growth is driven by a commitment to quality and excellence. Highlights include the reaccreditation of the MPharm by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the School’s Athena Swan Silver Award – the first at RCSI – and a top 200 global ranking in the QS subject rankings for pharmacy and pharmacology. A significant milestone for both RCSI and the School was the enrolment of the first cohort of 158 students at the International College of Pharmaceutical Innovation (ICPI), a groundbreaking collaboration between RCSI and Soochow University in China.

Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

In January 2025, the MPharm was reaccredited for five years by the PSI, with commendation for its evidence-informed curriculum renewal. The revised programme continues to roll out, with Year 3 delivered in 2024/25. Innovations include the Prescribing Safety Assessment in Year 5, aligning with national recommendations to expand pharmacy practice, and a virtual pharmacy simulation platform supporting practice teaching. The School is also piloting student-led clinics, offering interprofessional learning and community health benefits.

BSc in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies (ATT)

The BSc ATT is a future-focused programme that prepares students for careers in biopharma and medtech. In 2024/25, the first third-year cohort secured competitive eight-month placements in areas such as connected health, clinical trials, manufacturing and R&D with leading organisations including MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb, EY Consulting, Harvard Medical School, Takeda and APC. The Takeda Ireland ATT Undergraduate Scholarship continues to support student inclusion.

MSc in Technologies and Analytics in Precision Medicine (TAPM) The TAPM programme saw continued growth, integrating data analytics, computational biology, precision medicine and connected healthcare. It aims to develop the next generation of biological data scientists to support a new era of personalised healthcare.

International College of Pharmaceutical Innovation (ICPI)

Launched in April 2025, ICPI is a landmark collaboration between RCSI and Soochow University. It is a beacon of educational excellence, combining the strengths of two world-class institutions to cultivate the next generation of pharmacy, pharmaceutical and biomedical science professionals. Located at the Soochow University Future Campus, ICPI offers dual degrees and exemplifies Sino-Irish educational excellence, preparing graduates for global careers.

Research environment

The School remains highly research-intensive, with 88 active grants totalling €25.4m – 49 of which were awarded in the past year – supported by 57 research staff and around 100 postgraduates. We are also proud to support undergraduate research, with 124 students from across our School and the School of Medicine participating in research projects. The School’s research mission is powered by its dedicated staff, researchers and technical teams.