Tracy Robson, Professor of Cancer Biology at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at RCSI, has been elected as a Member of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA), Ireland’s foremost body of experts in the sciences and humanities.

An internationally recognised leader in cancer research, Professor Robson’s scholarly activity has profoundly advanced the fields of biomolecular sciences and biotherapeutics, with a particular focus on translational cancer research, obesity and inflammation.

Over the past 15 years, Professor Robson has secured €19 million in competitive research funding and has contributed to more than 120 publications throughout her career, driving the translation of research discoveries into new therapeutics.

Her commitment to advancing research for patient benefit is exemplified by her development of a novel biotherapeutic peptide drug ALM201 which successfully completed a phase Ia clinical trial in patients with end-stage, drug-resistant cancer and has since received orphan drug status from the US FDA for ovarian cancer. Professor Robson’s research has resulted in seven patents, four of which have been licensed to industry, demonstrating her commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer.

Professor Robson is currently a funded investigator in major national cancer research and commercialisation initiatives, including Precision Oncology Ireland and the Research Ireland Accelerating Research to Commercialisation (ARC) Hub for Therapeutics. She served as President of the Irish Association for Cancer Research from 2020 to 2024.

Professor Robson’s leadership in her field was recognised by the IACR Outstanding Contribution to Cancer Medicine and Research Award in 2025.

A dedicated mentor, Professor Robson is also a passionate advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM, fostering a culture of inclusion across RCSI.

As Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at RCSI, and previously as Head of the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, she has shaped educational policy, fostered institutional growth, and championed curriculum innovation.

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI Vice Chancellor, said: “I am delighted to congratulate Professor Tracy Robson on her election to the Royal Irish Academy. This prestigious honour, the highest academic honour in Ireland, recognises her exceptional career and her outstanding contribution to cancer research and academic leadership. Professor Robson’s pioneering research discoveries, transformative leadership in her field of cancer biology, and dedication to the next generation of scholars at RCSI and beyond make her a truly worthy recipient of this honour.”

Professor Daniel Carey, President of the Royal Irish Academy, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome this year’s newly elected members to the Royal Irish Academy. The breadth of expertise represented among them reflects the richness and diversity of scholarship and public service across Ireland and beyond. We look forward to the insights and expertise these new members will bring to the academy’s work in advancing trusted, independent and evidence-based dialogue across the island.”

The RIA was founded by charter in 1785 for the advancement of learning and scholarship in Ireland. A small number of new members from a variety of institutions and disciplines are elected to the RIA each year.

Eligible candidates must have a proven track record in engaging colleagues and attracting scholarly interest internationally, demonstrated either through the production of high impact, novel and outstanding quality publications or through other academic achievements or notable contributions made to the field.

At present, the Academy has more than 650 members, elected in recognition of significant academic achievements and exceptional contributions to education and/or research.