RCSI researchers have been awarded €219,960 in competitive funding through Research Ireland’s COALESCE 2025 programme to lead a new study that will help shape more effective, affordable and patient-centred care for depression across the Irish health system.

The RENOVATE healthcare project will be led by Professor Frank Doyle, Associate Professor, Department of Health Psychology and co-investigator Dr Fiona Boland, Senior Lecturer, Data Science Centre, both based in RCSI’s School of Population Health. It is one of 16 interdisciplinary projects to receive support through the €3.5 million national investment.

The project aims to generate robust, locally relevant evidence on the relative effectiveness and cost-efficiency of a wide range of depression treatments, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. By using sophisticated analysis techniques and stakeholder consultation, the research will identify optimal treatment pathways that are both clinically effective and financially sustainable for the Irish health service.

It will also examine how different approaches may work better for specific patient groups, such as women or those with co-existing conditions, while engaging patients, clinicians and decision-makers to ensure real-world relevance and impact.

Announcing the awards, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said: “Harnessing the power of research is key to tackling the most pressing challenges facing our society. These awards are not just about academic excellence – they are about delivering real, tangible benefits for people and communities.

“Whether it’s supporting survivors of gender-based violence, driving climate action, or safeguarding our cultural heritage, these projects will make a meaningful difference. This is research with purpose, and I commend all the awardees for their dedication to the public good.”

The COALESCE (Collaborative Alliances for Societal Challenges) programme supports excellent, interdisciplinary research that addresses national and global societal challenges by fostering collaboration between researchers and policymakers, civil society, and enterprise.