A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been established between the Trinity Centre for Ageing and the Life Course in Intellectual Disability (TCAID) and Avista. The agreement was signed by Professor Brian O’Connell, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Lorraine Macken, CEO of Avista, marking an important milestone in the continued development of our collaborative relationship.

This MoU reflects a shared commitment to advancing national research and academic collaboration in the field of intellectual disability. At its core, the partnership seeks to strengthen the evidence base underpinning practice, with a particular focus on improving our understanding of health, ageing, and quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities.

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The agreement provides a framework for collaboration across a range of areas, including joint research initiatives, service-based research and innovation, and knowledge translation activities. It will also support staff engagement across both organisations, alongside opportunities for student and doctoral research aligned with service priorities. These collaborative efforts will ensure that research, lived experience, and practice-based knowledge continue to inform and enhance service development.

We were pleased to welcome colleagues from Avista and TCAID to mark the occasion, including Ciara O’Keeffe, Assistant CEO, and Pamela Dunne, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, alongside Stephen O’Connor and Christina Corr, who have contributed to previous collaborative work between our organisations. We were also delighted that Professor Damien Brennan, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, could join us, and we greatly appreciate his ongoing support of the Centre and its work.

This partnership builds on a longstanding and valued relationship between TCAID and Avista. It represents a shared vision for meaningful collaboration, where research and practice come together to support improved outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities. This milestone reflects the strength of the ongoing partnership between TCAID and Avista, and the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing research, practice, and outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities. We look forward to the continued collaboration ahead.