RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences celebrated healthcare and research professionals at the higher-degree conferring ceremony today, marking the beginning of the RCSI summer conferring ceremonies.

Celebrating their conferral at a ceremony at the RCSI campus on St Stephen’s Green were: three Master of Pharmacy (MPharm), 10 Master of Science (MSc) in Physician Associate Studies, one Master of Science (MSc) in Advanced Clinical Practice, five Master of Science (MSc) by Research, four Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module, ten Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates, and 29 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates.

This year’s graduating class carried out innovative studies spanning diverse areas of medical and healthcare research. Their work included the creation of a collagen hyaluronic acid scaffold for tissue repair; the impact of the circadian rhythm on wound healing; and maximising the accessibility of acute stroke care pathways in Ireland.

Today’s conferring also saw candidates being awarded a MSc in Physician Associate Studies. This degree is the only programme of its kind in Ireland. Physician associates provide much needed medical services across a broad range of disciplines and workplaces, including hospital and surgical care, GP practices and community health services.

As part of the Conferring ceremony, RCSI awarded an Honorary Doctorate upon former Minister of State for Higher Education, Ms Mary Mitchell O’Connor.

As Minister of State for Higher Education, Ms Mitchell O’Connor led the enactment of the Technological Universities Act 2018, which allowed for the establishment of five new Technological Universities and granted €90 million into a TU transformation fund. It was under her leadership that RCSI was awarded university status in 2019.

She worked to implement the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Amendment) Act 2019, which called for more robust quality oversight in third level institutions and advanced equity in academia by introducing the Senior Academic Leadership Initiative, promoting Athena SWAN and implementing the €300m Human Capital Initiative to future-proof skills.

During her time as minister she led higher education institutions through the COVID-19 pandemic and navigated the complex challenges that came with the rapid digital shift in education. Through her dedication and determination as Minister for Higher Education she paved the way for the creation of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Commenting on the success of RCSI’s newest class of higher degree graduates, Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor of RCSI, said: “I am delighted to offer my heartfelt congratulations to each of you on this momentous achievement. Today’s celebration reflects the unwavering commitment you have made to your careers in health sciences over the past years. I am honoured to commemorate this milestone with you and I look forward to following your successes as you continue your impactful work in healthcare and research for the years to come.”