RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences' summer conferring ceremonies continued today, as the School of Medicine Class of 2025 celebrated their conferring at Dublin’s Convention Centre.

Graduates were conferred across the Honours Degrees of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) and LRCP and SI. Candidates were presented by the Vice Chancellor of RCSI, Professor Cathal Kelly, and conferred by RCSI President, Prof. Deborah McNamara.

RCSI’s Medicine conferring celebrates the largest number of medical graduates in Ireland each year. This year was no different, with 344 medical students graduating from the Class of 2025.

The graduands were addressed by Prof. Tim Spector who received RCSI’s highest academic award: an Honorary Doctorate. Prof. Spector, a Professor of Epidemiology at King’s College London, is a pioneer in microbiome and nutrition research. He is author of the bestselling books The Diet Myth, Spoon-Fed and Food for Life and co-founder of the ZOE app, the world's most popular science community tool. Adding to his impressive accolades, he was honoured with an OBE in 2020 in recognition of his vital contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at RCSI, Prof. Tracy Robson, introduced the Honorary Doctorate, saying: “Prof. Spector’s pioneering research has revolutionised the field of nutrition science, challenged long-standing dietary beliefs, inspired healthier eating habits and reshaped public discussion on nutrition.

“We are delighted to welcome him here today to celebrate his outstanding contributions to genetic epidemiology, nutrition and public health,” added Professor Robson.

Prof. Kelly congratulated the graduands on their success: “Today’s conferring marks the culmination of your ongoing hard work and dedication to your careers in medicine over the past years. This achievement is a tribute to each and every one of you. We are delighted to come together to celebrate with each of you on this memorable day. I speak for the RCSI staff and faculty in saying that we eagerly we look forward to following your academic and professional successes long into the future.”

RCSI President Prof. Deborah McNamara said: “Today’s ceremony recognises your commitment, dedication and hard work. It is an important milestone in your career as a doctor. The qualifications you will be awarded today are highly regarded wherever in the world you choose to practice. You will join a large global network of RCSI graduates who share our mission to 'Educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health'.”

The graduates were also addressed by the Class of 2025 valedictorian, Maen Al-Rawashdeh.