Dr Avril Kennan is CEO of Health Research Charities Ireland (HRCI), which supports a community of more than 45 charities to engage in health research and acts as their national advocate.
Under her leadership, HRCI runs the Irish Health Research Forum, bringing stakeholders together to strengthen health research in Ireland. She also oversees the Joint Funding Scheme, a partnership with the Health Research Board that has funded 154 research projects aligned with the missions of HRCI member charities. Avril plays a leading national role in patient and public involvement (PPI), research impact, health data, genetics and genomics, and rare diseases.
Avril holds a PhD in genetics and previously worked as a molecular biologist. In roles with DEBRA Ireland and DEBRA International, she led a range of patient-centred global initiatives. She is a passionate advocate for the power of research to improve lives.