RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has announced the appointment of Professor Niall Pender as the University’s new Professor of Psychology and Head of Department of Health Psychology.

Professor Pender brings extensive experience to this role, having spent 20 years as the Founding Head of the Psychology Department at Beaumont Hospital, where he developed the department into one of the largest hospital-based psychology units in the country.

His expertise in leading innovative and creative programmes aligns closely with RCSI’s strategic focus on integrating excellence in health sciences education with pioneering, patient-centred research.

He joins RCSI from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), where he held the role of Associate Professor at the School of Medicine from 2019. During his time at TCD, he was a driving force for academic innovation, serving as course director of Ireland’s first MSc in Applied Clinical Neuropsychology.

Significant contribution

Throughout his distinguished career in neuropsychology, Professor Pender has focused his research on the cognitive and behavioural aspects of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders, including motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

As the Irish principal investigator for ENROLL-HD, the world’s largest observational study for Huntington’s disease families, he has developed extensive expertise in integrating international collaboration with clinical research.

From creating innovative diagnostic tools, such as the internationally used Beaumont Behavioural Index, to leading influential research on cognitive decline, stroke and neurovascular disorders, Professor Pender has made significant contributions in the advancement of early detection intervention strategies, addressing emotional, cognitive, and lifestyle factors in patients.

An exceptional leader

Commenting on his new appointment at RCSI, Professor Pender said: “As Head of Department of Health Psychology I am committed to supporting and building upon the vital research that is already underway within the department. I aim to strengthen RCSI’s commitment to patient-centred teaching, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals approaches their practice with empathy, curiosity and a deep respect for patient experience.”

Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice-Chancellor, RCSI congratulated Professor Pender on his appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Niall Pender to RCSI as Professor of Psychology and Head of the Department of Health Psychology. Professor Pender is an exceptional academic and clinical leader. Through pioneering patient-centred projects and collaborating with clinicians, advocates, and charities alike, he demonstrates the vision and collaborative ethos that drives innovation at RCSI. I am confident that under his leadership, the department will continue to advance excellence in teaching and research at the frontiers of health psychology.”

Professor Pender has held numerous leadership positions to date, including serving as Clinical Lead for a new multi-disciplinary team at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in London. He has an outstanding academic background, having completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at University College Dublin, followed by a MSc in Experimental and Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Wales.

He undertook his Clinical Psychology training at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, and went on to complete a Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Applied Clinical Neuropsychology at King’s College while working at the Maudsley Hospital. In 2005, he was awarded a PhD from the Institute of Psychiatry for his research on the neuropsychology of Huntington’s disease.