Researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences are coming together today for RCSI Research Day 2026, showcasing the breadth of research underway across the University. The event provides an opportunity for researchers at all career stages to share new findings and connect with colleagues across the RCSI community.

Through presentations, posters and the Research and Innovation Showcase session, the programme highlights outstanding contributions from RCSI researchers and the world-class research that is driving improvements in human health.

Selected presentations from undergraduate, early career and postgraduate researchers will explore a range of topics across three themed sessions including physiotherapy, nursing, immunology, drug delivery, neurosciences, cancer and biomaterials.

John J. Ryan Distinguished Lecture

This year’s distinguished speaker for the John J. Ryan Lecture is Professor Margaret A. Pericak-Vance, Director of the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics and Executive Vice Chair of the Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She will deliver a lecture titled 'The Global Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease: Pathway to Prevention and Treatment'.

Professor Pericak-Vance is a world-renowned human geneticist and author of more than 750 peer-reviewed publications, cited over 115,000 times. Her work has made a major contribution to understanding genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as conditions including autism, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.

A significant focus of Professor Pericak-Vance’s research is addressing health disparities in genomics. She directs several related genetic research projects, one on Alzheimer disease in African Americans and a second on admixed Caribbean Hispanic and Amerindian populations.

Recognising achievements

To conclude the day, awards are presented to researchers for their outstanding achievements in research and innovation, including awards for invention disclosures; public and patient involvement (PPI) and engagement; research impact; and prizes for Research Day presentations and posters.

As part of the Vice Chancellor Innovation Awards, the Clinician Innovation Award will be presented to Professor Noel Gerry McElvaney, Head of the School of Medicine at RCSI, in recognition of his commitment to expanding early‑phase, industry‑sponsored clinical trials through the RCSI Clinical Research Centre, improving access to novel treatments for patients with alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency and cystic fibrosis.

The Commercialisation Innovation Award will be given to Professor Richard Costello, Professor in the Department of Medicine for founding Phyxiom, an RCSI spin‑out that commercialises patented digital‑health algorithms and software platforms to transform asthma and COPD management.

The Industry Engagement Innovation Award will be presented to Professor David Cotter, Dr Melanie Föcking, Dr Subash Susai and Dr David Mongan for advancing a FutureNeuro-Janssen collaboration focused on identifying biological predictors of psychosis.

Professor Fergal O'Brien, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, commented on the event: “RCSI Research Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the exceptional work being carried out across our research community, from undergraduate students and early career investigators to established academic leaders. It showcases RCSI research projects that are addressing global health challenges, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting meaningful public and patient involvement.

“The day also reflects our strong culture of innovation, bringing together researchers, clinicians and industry partners to strengthen collaboration and support the translation of new ideas into solutions that benefit patients and society.”