Welcome to The Irish Association of Pharmacology (IAP), a distinguished organization dedicated to representing Pharmacology and Therapeutics on the island of Ireland. Founded in the mid-1990s by the esteemed late Professor John Feely, a visionary researcher and clinician, the IAP remains committed to fostering the advancement of pharmacology locally and globally.
In 2016, the IAP gained formal recognition as an unincorporated association, solidifying its status as a reputable and influential entity within the field. Building upon the remarkable legacy of Professor Feely, our association strives to honor his ambitions and unwavering dedication to the development of pharmacology.
Our Future Aims
Advancing Pharmacology Research: We wholeheartedly promote both basic and clinical pharmacology research throughout the island of Ireland, fostering scientific discoveries that drive medical advancements and improve patient outcomes.
Facilitating Exchange and Collaboration: We provide a dynamic platform for scientists in Pharmacology & Therapeutics, as well as allied disciplines in research and industry, to exchange knowledge, ideas, and collaborate on innovative projects
Forging International Connections: As a member of esteemed international associations, we open doors to global forums and contacts, facilitating research, development, and fruitful international collaborations for our esteemed members.
Advocacy for Positive Change: By becoming an effective advocate for the field, we champion the interests of pharmacologists and promote policies that drive progress, improve healthcare, and contribute to the betterment of society.
Monica de Gaetano is an Assistant Professor in Pharmacology and a Principal Investigator of the Diabetes Complications Research Centre (DCRC) at University College Dublin. After obtaining her BSc in the School of Pharmacy in Italy, she moved to Ireland to pursue a PhD in Molecular Medicine and a PD training in Medicinal Chemistry. Her teaching consists in basic and advanced pharmacology, with a focus on cardiovascular and renal pharmacology, and on drug discovery and development, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. She is an international leader in Resolution Pharmacology, with a long-standing interest in the biology of the monocyte-macrophage-foam cell axis, in the context of progression and regression of atherosclerosis, where she has given an important contribution to characterise the plasticity of such pivotal cell axis. Her research is currently focusing on identifying novel theranostics for chronic macrovascular diseases. She coordinated a translational screening programme, through which she set up an in vitro platform for drug candidate discovery, as well as a robust ex vivo model of atherosclerosis. She has patented two novel molecules with pro-resolving properties in the context of vascular inflammation. Her research group in the UCD Conway Institute is currently focused on tackling the ‘residual inflammatory risk’ in sub-cohorts of diabetes-associated atherosclerotic patients, in order to better tailoring therapeutic interventions.
More recently, she gained interest in exploring the delivery of resolving molecules to the site of inflammation, via lipid nano particles-based systems, with the idea -in future- to design a site-specific drug delivery to macrophages in athero-prone regions of the vessel walls.
Dr Cormac Kennedy is currently a Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist and Physician at St James Hospital as well as a Clinical Senior Lecturer at Trinity College Dublin. His experience gives him a perspective of the journey of medicines from the bench to the bedside including the pharmaceutical, regulatory, economic, policy and clinical contexts. Cormac is a graduate of UCD Medical School and the School of Pharmacy Trinity College. He completed a PhD at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the product of which was subsequently patented.
He received a HSE-NDTP Management and Leadership Scholarship to undertake a Masters in Health Economics, Outcomes and Management at the London School of Economics and was awarded a Distinction. Recently, he completed a Masters in Clinical Trials at Oxford University. His clinical interests include the specialist treatment of hypertension and lipid disorders and he has presented internationally and published in these areas. His other research interests are across a spectrum of areas related to medicines including pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics and appropriate drug usage.
Dr Aisling Heeran obtained a B.Sc. in Pharmacy and M.Pharm from RCSI. Following this she completed an M.Sc. in Translational Oncology from Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Aisling was awarded an Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship to complete a Ph.D. on radiation bystander events in gastrointestinal cancers in TCD. After completing her Ph.D., Aisling continued her research in gastrointestinal cancers, specifically examining the role of FKBPL across the Barrett’s oesophagus to oesophageal adenocarcinoma disease progression. Aisling is now a Lecturer in Pharmacy in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences in RCSI and the International College for Pharmaceutical Innovation, SUDA, Suzhou, China.
Natalie O’Regan serves as the Treasurer for the Irish Association of Pharmacologists, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. As the Executive Assistant in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at University College Cork, Natalie plays a vital role in supporting the department’s operations.With a keen eye for detail and a passion for fostering collaboration within the field of pharmacology, Natalie ensures the financial well-being of the association. Her role as Treasurer involves managing the financial aspects of the organization, contributing to strategic decision-making, and supporting initiatives that advance the goals of the Irish Association of Pharmacologists. Natalie’s commitment to excellence and her integral role in the academic community make her a valuable asset to the association. Her collaborative spirit and administrative expertise contribute to the smooth functioning of the organization and the success of it’s endeavors.
Executive Committee
Professor David Williams (Past President, Advisor) Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Professor of Stroke Medicine and National Specialty Director for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. His research focuses on stroke medicine, hypertension, and patient safety. He co-directs the Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Programme and the Irish Stroke Clinical Trials Network (SCTNI).
Professor Steven Kerrigan (Advisor) Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Professor of Precision Therapeutics and Deputy Head of the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at RCSI. His translational pharmacology research has identified novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets in sepsis, and he is Founder/CEO of Inthelia Therapeutics.
Professor Christian Waeber (Past President, Advisor) University College Cork Professor Waeber’s research explores sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signalling and its neuroprotective potential in stroke and brain injury. His work advances understanding of preconditioning, neuroprotection, and immune regulation in stroke outcomes.
Professor Martina Hennessy (Advisor) Trinity College Dublin / St James’s Hospital Clinical Pharmacologist and Consultant Physician with expertise in hypertension and cardiovascular risk. She is Director of the Wellcome-HRB Clinical Research Facility and Chief Academic Officer for the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, leading research and education integration.
Dr. Jan Iglesias (Advisor) Details forthcoming.
Adam Kelly (Student Representative) PhD Graduate and IAP Student Representative, providing a voice for early-career pharmacologists and supporting engagement across the student and postgraduate community.
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