The Health Research Podcast

This episode explores the current debate on the intersection of research ethics, bioethics, clinical practice, AI governance, data protection and public trust. Joining presenter Claire O'Connell, are: Professor Andrew Green, Professor of Medical Genetics at University College Dublin; Simone Walsh, Chair and Programme Manager of the Irish Research Nurses and Midwives Network; and Professor Mary Donnelly, Professor of Law at University College Cork.

Associate Professor of Medical Education at Trinity College Dublin, Prof Martina Hennessy, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway, Prof Fidelma Dunne, discuss the current clinical trials landscape in Ireland, the processes behind trial delivery, and the opportunities and challenges involved in building future capacity.

This episode discusses the new HRB 5-year strategy, in the company of HRB Director of Research Strategy & Funding, Dr Teresa Maguire and HRB Director of Health Information & Evidence, Dr Sarah Craig.
Featuring footage from the launch including contributions from Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill, HRB Chair Dr Tracy Cunningham, HRB Chief Executive Dr Gráinne Gorman, PPI contributor Eben Stewart, Prof Iracema Leroi (Trinity College Dublin), Prof Mark Lawler (Queen's University Belfast), Prof Helen Whelton (University College Cork & HSE).

This episode features Dr Avril Kennan Chief Executive of Health Research Charities Ireland, Dr Gráinne Gorman Chief Executive of the Health Research Board, and Gavin Lawler, HRB Programme Manager and co-ordinator of the Irish National Mirror Group on Rare Diseases.

This episode, features exclusive interviews and highlights from the proceedings of the HRB National Conference 2025, on the theme of Advancing Evidence-Informed Policy for Health and Social Care in Ireland. Presented by Danielle Barron.

Recorded at the HRB Conference 2025, this episode includes discussion on the HRB’s Rapid Evidence Support System Assessment (RESSA) for Ireland.
The podcast features co-author of the RESSA, Dr Barbara Whelan, Acting Programme Manager at Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, based at the University of Galway. Also appearing are: Prof John Lavis, Department of Health Evidence and Impact at McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; and Dr Fergal Lynch, former Secretary General of the Department of Children and Deputy Secretary General at the Department of Health.

This episode focuses on a new HRB report revealing global gaps in research on women’s health, including early pregnancy loss & postnatal mental health.

Dr Claire O’Connell speaks to Dr Thomas Hemmelgarn, Head the EU Policy Lab in Brussels, and Dr Anna Visser from the Department of the Taoiseach.  

This episode explores how to influence health policy and behaviour with behavioural scientist Pete Lunn, Economic & Social Research Institute, and public health expert Prof Sara Burke, Trinity College Dublin. Hosted by Dr Claire O’Connell.