Trinity  School of Medicine officially launched its Annual Overview of Doctoral Health Research 2026, at a ceremony in May, attended by the Provost Professor Linda Doyle. The report, now in its fifth year, presents a vivid showcase of the extraordinary talent, diversity, and ambition of School of Medicine postgraduate researchers. This year’s publication highlights a defining reality of Trinity’s scientific ecosystem: almost all of the School’s more than 200 active doctoral and Doctor of Medicine (MD) projects are entirely enabled by external sponsorship.

The featured research covers the entire journey of medical science—from fundamental laboratory discoveries to clinical testing and real-world patient care. Projects range from using artificial intelligence to improve the diagnosis of eyelid tumours and developing "digital twins" to customise lung cancer radiation therapy, to pioneering virtual and extended reality technologies for neuroanatomy and neurosurgery. Others focus on accessible lifestyle interventions, such as tailored exercise regimes to protect the brain health of individuals living with Type 2 diabetes and co-designed psychological supports for young adult cancer survivors.

"Our doctoral students are driven by intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a profound passion for research-led discovery," said Professor Sarah Doyle, Director of Research at the School of Medicine . "They are already emerging as the future leaders who will have a significant and lasting impact on the health of our nation and beyond.”

Driving National and Institutional Strategies

This collective research body acts as a powerful engine for both national and university-wide strategic goals. By transitioning clinical and basic scientific discoveries directly into real-world patient benefits, the School is actively advancing the Thrive Strategic Plan 2025–2030. This plan commits the university to intensifying research and innovation, elevating outcomes from "excellent to outstanding".

Furthermore, these doctoral research studies will directly cultivate the elite scientific talent prioritised by the newly established Research Ireland Strategy 2026–2030. By securing competitive funding from partners such as the Health Research Board (HRB), Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Irish Cancer Society, Trinity is helping cement Ireland's reputation as a globally attractive hub for world-class research careers.

"Undertaking doctoral research is a demanding and transformative journey," added Professor Stephen Maher, Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning. "The remarkable breadth of inquiry shown by our students—from novel cancer therapies to addressing health inequalities—celebrates Trinity's commitment to academic rigour and clinical excellence."

The Annual Overview of Doctoral Health Research 2026 offers a deep insight into the future of healthcare innovation in Ireland.

  • About  School of Medicine Research, Trinity College Dublin: A research-led institution with a centuries-old reputation for health sciences education, characterized by a deep culture of clinical-scientific collaboration. Research Strategy 2021-2026
  • About TCD THRIVE Strategic Plan 2025–2030: Trinity’s five-year roadmap focused on investing in people, infrastructure, and partnerships to ensure the university’s research and teaching thrive globally. Thrive Strategic Plan 2025–2030
  • About Research Ireland Strategy 2026–2030: The strategy of Ireland's newly formed research development agency, focused on promoting curiosity, capability, and competitiveness by developing talent and driving societal solutions. Research Ireland Strategy 2026–2030.

The Provost, Professor Linda Doyle officially launched the Trinity School of Medicine Annual Overview of Doctoral Health Research 2026