Study finds areas of concern for health research in Ireland

A new study has found that important areas of health research are not being prioritised in Ireland.

The Medical Research Charities Group (MRCG) recently launched the findings from the first major study into the health research environment in Ireland as perceived by health researchers. The study, ‘The Health Research Landscape in Ireland: What Researchers Say’ was commissioned by the MRCG to understand Ireland’s current health research landscape from the perspective of researchers. Despite Ireland having sustained its strong support for health research throughout the economic crisis a number of issues still remain which have been identified in the report.

Issues include "There are gaps in enabling infrastructure for health research, and financial sustainability is a concern. Particular important areas of research are not prioritised. Support is focused on the earliest stages of research training and on well-established researchers."

“Health research in Ireland needs a renewed vision and commitment that will create a world class health research landscape, providing translatable benefits to patients,” said Philip Watt, MRCG Chairman.