RCSI has welcomed a delegation of senior European research and innovation policy officials as part of an EU Presidency programme led by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

The visit brought together research and innovation attachés and policy officials from EU Member States, the European Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, providing an opportunity to showcase RCSI's growing research strengths, international partnerships and success in securing competitive European funding.

Hosted by Professor Fergal O'Brien, RCSI Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, the delegation received an overview of the university's expanding research portfolio and its contribution to addressing major health challenges through collaboration, innovation and scientific excellence. Delegates also learned about RCSI's progress in building strategic partnerships across Europe and its increasing success in securing funding through EU research and innovation programmes.

The visit formed part of the programme associated with the Informal Meeting of the Research Working Party, a preparatory body of the Council of the European Union that supports the legislative work of the Competitiveness (Research) Council. The meeting in Dublin brings together officials from Member States, the European Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council working on research and innovation policy.

Professor O'Brien introduced delegates to a number of leading RCSI researchers whose work is supported by European funding and partnerships. Researchers from areas including precision cancer medicine, neuroscience, genetics, regenerative medicine, biomaterials, respiratory medicine and digital health shared insights into their experience of European collaboration and the impact of EU-funded research programmes on advancing healthcare innovation.

The programme also included a visit to the Heart: more than a beat exhibition at Humanarium, as well as a laboratory tour of FutureNeuro, the Research Ireland Centre for Translational Brain Science hosted by RCSI, where delegates learned about cutting-edge research aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

The visit highlights RCSI's increasing influence within the European research ecosystem and its commitment to fostering international collaboration that delivers scientific excellence, drives innovation and improves patient care across Europe.

Professor Fergal O'Brien said: "European collaboration is central to RCSI's research strategy and to our efforts to improve human health through impactful research and innovation. It was a pleasure to welcome representatives from across Europe to RCSI and to demonstrate the significant progress we have made in growing our research capacity, securing highly competitive EU funding and building strong partnerships with leading institutions across member states. These collaborations are enabling our researchers to tackle some of the most pressing healthcare challenges facing society today."