About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Irish Association of Pharmacologists (IAP) is to champion pharmacology and therapeutics as a cornerstone of scientific discovery, innovation and better healthcare across the island of Ireland.
We bring together Researchers, Educators, Clinicians and the wider Scientific Community to share knowledge, nurture emerging talent, foster collaboration and create opportunities for national and international engagement.
Through research, education, partnership and advocacy, the IAP seeks to shape the future of pharmacology and maximise its impact on health and society.
Our History
The Irish Association of Pharmacology (IAP) is a distinguished organisation 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 honour his ambitions and unwavering dedication to the development of pharmacology.
Our Future Aims
Advancing Pharmacology Research & Education
We wholeheartedly promote both basic and clinical pharmacology Research and Education 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 and clinicians in Pharmacology & Therapeutics, as well as allied disciplines, to exchange knowledge, ideas, and collaborate on innovative projects.
Forging International Connections
The IAP is affiliated with a number of esteemed international associations (including BPS, EPHAR, EACPT, IUPHAR). We open doors to global forums and contacts, facilitating pharmacology research and education, and fruitful international collaborations.
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 the Society.
Executive Committee
Dr Monica de Gaetano
PresidentMonica 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 an 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 theragnostic 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. After serving as VP for the association for a year, she was appointed President of IAP in November 2024.
Dr Cormac Kennedy
Vice PresidentDr 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 Master’s in Health Economics, Outcomes and Management at the London School of Economics and was awarded a Distinction. Recently, he completed a Master’s 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. He was appointed VP for IAP in November 2024.
Dr Aisling Heeran
SecretaryDr Aisling Heeran obtained a BSc in Pharmacy and M. Pharm from RCSI. Following this she completed an MSc 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. She was appointed IAP Secretary in November 2024.
Ms Orla Murphy
TreasurerOrla is a Finance manager at UCD Conway Institute. After a year as ‘Financial consultant’ for IAP she was appointed Treasurer in November 2025. Her role 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 its endeavors.
Dr Seema Nathwani
Partnership & Sponsorship ManagerDr Seema Nathwani is a Teaching Fellow in Pharmacology in the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences at University College Dublin (UCD), where she teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate modules. Her academic background is in pharmacology and toxicology, with research and teaching interests spanning drug development, cellular toxicity and the molecular mechanisms of disease. She is also interested in education-focused research, particularly in developing innovative teaching strategies that support learning in biomedical disciplines. Alongside her academic work, Seema is actively involved in initiatives that strengthen collaboration within the pharmacology and biomedical sciences community. She is particularly interested in building partnerships that connect academia, industry and professional organisations to support education, research and early-career development. In addition to her role as ‘Sponsorship & Partnership Manager’ for the Irish Association of Pharmacologists, she is also a committee member of the Irish Society of Toxicology.
Mr Luke Conroy
Student RepFinal year PhD student in Dr Monica de Gaetano’s lab in the Diabetes Complications Research Centre (DCRC) in the UCD Conway Institute. His research is focused on looking at novel inflammatory mediators, and their nano-delivery, in the context of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. He works with cell-lines, primary cells, as well as with human atherosclerotic tissue.
He has presented several posters and oral talks at local and international conferences, including an oral presentation at last year’s British Pharmacological Society Annual Meeting. Luke was also the recipient of a prestigious mobility grant from EU-Resolve to carry out functional analysis of nanoparticle samples in the D’Annunzio University (Chieti, Italy). Since November 2024, he covers the role of PG student representative at IAP. At IAP25, hosted at UCD, he was the head of the local committee to organise the events logistics.
Executive Committee Advisors
Professor David Williams
Former PresidentDavid Williams is Professor of Stroke Medicine at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Consultant Stroke Physician at Beaumont Hospital Dublin. He is Past President of the Irish Association of Pharmacologists (IAP) and Past Vice-President (Clinical) of the British Pharmacology Society (BPS). He is a fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of Ireland and Edinburgh, The British Pharmacological Society, The British and Irish Hypertension Society and the European Stroke Organisation. His research interests include stroke medicine, hypertension, patient safety and prescribing. He has served as Clinical Vice-President of the British Pharmacological Society between 2007-10 and is currently managing editor of the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (EJCP). He is currently the Irish National Speciality Director of training for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National Director of the Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) programme and co-director of the Irish Stroke Clinical Trials network. He was the Principal Investigator for the Irish National Adverse Events Study (INAES 1 and 2) and Co-Lead for the HRB-funded Collaborative Doctoral Award, iPASTAR which examined improved pathways for acute stroke care and rehabilitation.
Professor Christian Waeber
Former President & Feely Medal AwardeeProf. Waeber’s research explores sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signalling and its neuroprotective potential in stroke and brain injury. His work advances understanding of neuroprotection, immune regulation and repair mechanisms in stroke outcomes. His research also extends to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with a focus on developing novel therapeutic approaches and improved drug formulations for retinal disease. He served as IAP President for three years (2021–2024). In 2025, he received the prestigious John Feely Medal in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to pharmacology research and education in Ireland.
Professor Martina Hennessy
Former VPProf. Hennessy is a Clinical Pharmacologist and Consultant Physician in St James’s Hospital Dublin with expertise in hypertension and cardiovascular risk. She is the Director of the Welcome-HRB Clinical Research Facility (CRF) in St James’s Hospital, Dublin and, since 2023, Chief Academic Officer (CAO) for the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group (DMHG), leading research and education integration. The DMHG is composed of 7 hospitals (St James’s Hospital Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital Dublin, The Coombe Women’s Hospital Dublin, St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network at St James’s Hospital, Naas General Hospital, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise). The CAO is responsible for developing a structured and integrated approach to research, innovation, education and training for all healthcare professionals. The DMHG, which includes its Academic Partner Trinity College Dublin (TCD), is one of the largest of 7 hospital groups established as a key transitional step in a Government initiative to reorganise the Public Health System. Prof Hennessy is also the Director of Internship in The School of Medicine. In addition, she is Associate Professor in Medical Education in the School of Medicine. Prof Hennessy was the first Fottrell post appointed as part of the HEA curricular reform process in 2007 and was responsible for directing reform of the undergraduate curriculum in medicine.
Professor Steven Kerrigan
IAP24 Local OrganiserProf. Steve Kerrigan is Deputy Head of the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (Research) and Professor of Precision Therapeutics at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. He leads the Cardiovascular Infection Research Group within the Irish Centre for Vascular Biology and is Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Inthelia Therapeutics, an RCSI spin-out company developing host-directed precision therapeutics for infectious diseases. Professor Kerrigan is an internationally recognised pharmacologist whose research has advanced and helped redefine the pharmacology of host–pathogen interactions by identifying host physiological barriers, including the vascular endothelium and epithelium, as tractable therapeutic targets for host-directed intervention. His work identified integrin αVβ3 as a key therapeutic target exploited by bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens, establishing a new paradigm for host-directed pharmacology that shifts the therapeutic focus from targeting pathogens alone to protecting the host. Steve also pioneered the pharmacological repurposing of the integrin antagonist cilengitide as a novel host-directed therapeutic and the development of biomarker-guided precision medicine strategies. Through Inthelia Therapeutics, he is translating these discoveries into patented technologies, commercial innovation and clinical development. Professor Kerrigan graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology from King’s College London, an MSc in Immunopharmacology from the University of Strathclyde and a PhD in Cardiovascular Infection from RCSI, before undertaking postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Francisco. He was appointed Lecturer in Pharmacology in 2008, promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2013, Associate Professor in 2017 and Full Professor in 2021.
Natalie O’Regan
Former TreasurerNatalie O’Regan served as the Treasurer for the Irish Association of Pharmacologists, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the role from 2022 until November 2025. 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 ensured the financial well-being of the association.