Later this month, RCSI will acknowledge the seven recipients of the 2026 Alumni Awards at a special ceremony and gala dinner, an annual celebration of the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of RCSI's global graduates.

At the event, the awardees and guests will have the opportunity to view a vibrant new wall mural by artist Jo Hicks, which celebrates the 2026 Alumni Awards as inspirational role models for RCSI's students, staff and alumni community.

The large-scale mural is prominently displayed in the foyer of 123 St Stephen’s Green. The artwork, entitled Alumni – Leading the World to Better Health, is composed of photographic portraits of each of the awardees, all visually connected through the use of layered, colourful abstract patterns.

Jo Hick's concept was selected from several submissions received in response to a commissioning brief issued by RCSI Art Committee in spring 2026. Jo, who has recently established her studio in Dublin after relocating from the UK, is widely known for her playful artwork that combines a nostalgic feel with a contemporary and surreal sensibility.

The inspirational Alumni Awardees celebrated in the mural are:

• Reem Al Fulaij, Graduate School of Healthcare Management – Humanitarian and Community Award
• Michael Brennan, School of Medicine – Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement Award
• Louise Clarke, School of Physiotherapy – Outstanding Clinician Award
• Fergus Gleeson, School of Medicine – Inspiring Educator Award
• Ciaran Lawlor, School of Postgraduate Studies – Positive Global Impact Award
• Fergal O’Shaughnessy, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences – Research and Innovation Award
• Helen Strapp, School of Nursing and Midwifery – RCSI Ambassador Award

Describing her work, Jo shared: "I wanted to create a layered artwork that felt calm and yet fizzing with energy under the surface, which speaks to the theme of Leading the World to Better Health. My process involved combining photographic portrait layers with loose painterly visuals inspired by biological patterns seen through a microscopic.

"Using a combination of screen monotypes and paper marbling, these analogue processes embrace serendipity and reduced control - you don’t often know what the outcome is going to be and may take many attempts to get something that you like, which opens up more opportunity for unexpected and usual chance happenings. I then scanned the monotypes into the computer and began developing the collage digitally, layering the photographic portraits and playing around with opacity and colours. Aiming to achieve a balance between portrait and background, retaining the tactile feel of the prints. Each person in the mural received their own space and identity, whilst allowing the piece to flow and work harmoniously in the environment."

Ms Aíne Gibbons, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Chair of RCSI Art Committee, added: "The Art Committee was impressed by the manner in which Jo provided each awardee with a unique identity while at the same time ensuring a visual coherency between them all. This approach captures the multiplicity of healthcare roles and professions that align and combine through RCSI's alumni community.

"The mural is a visual means of storytelling and of sharing the achievements of our graduates with our campus community of students, staff and faculty."

Learn more about arts and cultural heritage at RCSI.