Three outstanding RCSI-led initiatives have been honoured at Ireland’s annual Education Awards recognising excellence in healthcare education, research, and community outreach.

From pioneering interprofessional education to transformative sexual health programmes for young people and groundbreaking AI-driven diagnostics, the award-winning projects reflect the University's continued leadership in innovation, collaboration, and societal impact.

All-Ireland Interprofessional Healthcare Challenge Wins Overall Excellence and Best Collaboration Awards

The prestigious Overall Excellence Award and the award for Best Collaboration Project were presented to the All-Ireland Interprofessional Healthcare Challenge (AIPEC), an inter-varsity education competition that celebrates teamwork between healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines.

This award is a testament to the commitment of the entire AIPEC team from Queen's University Belfast, University of Galway, University of Limerick, University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, University College Dublin and University of Ulster.

Designed to be transformative, authentic, and enjoyable, the challenge prepares future healthcare leaders to collaborate across boundaries for better patient outcomes. The RCSI organising committee included Professor Fiona Kent, Dr Muirne Spooner and Christine McAuliffe, and were supported by inaugural AIPEC representative Professor Judith Strawbridge. The local heats at RCSI were coordinated with the invaluable support of Professor Frances Horgan and Dr Nora Al-Shawee.

Debunking the Myths Wins Best Education Outreach Award

The Best Education Outreach Award went to Debunking the Myths, a standout initiative from RCSI’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This expert-led programme uses expert-led workshops, evidence-based resources, and social media campaigns to address teenage sexual health, challenging myths and misconceptions with compassion and clarity.

The project, led by Professor Fergal Malone, Dr Zara Molphy and Elisa Belmonte, has already reached over 17,700 students in 166 schools across all 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland as of April 2025. Its blend of in-person and digital delivery ensures maximum accessibility and impact.

AI-Powered Innovation Earns Best Research Project Award

The Best Research Project Award was presented to the Skin, Wounds and Trauma Research Centre (SWaT) in RCSI’s School of Nursing for their cutting-edge AI-driven diagnostic platform. This research is at the forefront of wound healing and tissue repair, particularly for the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers.

Under the leadership of Professor Zena Moore, Professor Declan Patton and Dr Lone Skoubo Bertelsen, this innovative research initiative is advancing clinical knowledge and improving patient care through innovation in artificial intelligence and personalised medicine.

Commenting on the four awards won by RCSI, Professor Tracy Robson, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said: “These awards are a testament to the incredible work being carried out across RCSI, from education to community engagement and scientific research. I extend my warmest congratulations to all teams whose efforts have been so deservedly recognised.”