Celebrating 40 Years of the Health Research Board
9 October 2026
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD joined researchers, healthcare leaders, policymakers and patient representatives on 9 October to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Health Research Board (HRB), recognising four decades of outstanding contribution to health and social care research in Ireland.
Addressing the celebration, Minister Carroll MacNeill TD reflected on the HRB's remarkable achievements since its establishment in 1986 and its central role in building a world-class health research system that supports discovery, informs policy and improves outcomes for patients, families and communities across Ireland.
The Minister highlighted the HRB's ambitious new strategy, launched earlier this year, which will continue to drive innovation, support excellent research and strengthen Ireland's ability to respond to major health challenges, including an ageing population, chronic disease, antimicrobial resistance, pandemics and climate change.
Paying tribute to the many individuals who have shaped the organisation's success over four decades, the Minister acknowledged former and current HRB leaders, researchers, board members and staff whose dedication has helped establish Ireland as a respected leader in health research.
A key theme of the Minister's address was the importance of evidence-based policymaking. She praised the HRB's contribution to major national initiatives, including mental health and addiction strategies, women's health research, health information systems and evidence-for-policy services that help guide decision-making across the health sector.
The Minister also highlighted Ireland's growing leadership in clinical trials and life sciences. Coming at the end of a significant week during Ireland's EU Presidency, which included a major conference on clinical trials and medicines in Dublin, she outlined the Government's commitment to expanding clinical research opportunities through initiatives such as the recently established Clinical Trials Advisory Council (CTAC). She noted the HRB's pivotal role in building Ireland's clinical trials capacity and supporting patients' access to innovative treatments.
Concluding her remarks, Minister Carroll MacNeill thanked patients and public representatives whose voices help shape health research, emphasising that research is ultimately about improving lives and delivering better healthcare for everyone.
Wishing the HRB continued success, the Minister said she looked forward to seeing the organisation continue to deliver excellence in health and social care research for many years to come as it embarks on its next chapter.