The Health Research Podcast

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 a...

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.