W100 Representative
Abi KellyDirector of International Engagement and External Relations
Abi Kelly joined RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2020 as Director of International Engagement and External Relations with responsibility for the Office for Institutional Research and Planning.
Her role is to support the University’s reputation raising strategy and build its brand among key stakeholders. A key ambition for RCSI is to be recognised in the Top 200 of universities in the world.
Prior to her role with RCSI, Abi spent 8 years at Newcastle University (UK) where she was Executive Director of Corporate Affairs managing the external profile of this Russell Group university. She also led communications for the N8 Research Partnership, a collaborative mission group of the eight research-intensive universities in the North of England.
She has spent 28 years working in the Public Relations industry in the UK, including roles in local and regional government, and as a PR Consultant for private-sector clients including Whitbread and Nissan.
Founded as the national training body for surgery in Ireland, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has been at the forefront of healthcare education since its establishment in 1784. As an independent, not-for-profit institution, we chart our own course in the pursuit of excellence in human healthcare.
Today we are an innovative, world-leading international health sciences education and research institution with undergraduate and postgraduate schools and faculties across the health sciences spectrum. We are home to numerous healthcare institutes as well as leading research centres driving pioneering breakthroughs in human health.
A deep professional responsibility to enhance human health through endeavour, innovation and collaboration in education, research and service inform all that we do. We welcome students and researchers into programmes of academic excellence and a lifelong community of colleagues that is clinically led, nurturing and supportive to enable them to realise their potential to serve our global patient community.
The Latest from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
An RCSI-led randomised trial has found that manual hand-pump irrigation during retrograde intrarenal surgery generates notably higher intrarenal pressure than pressurised-bag irrigation. This challenges current global practice norms.
More➡️ https://academic.oup.com/bjs/article/111/6/znae137/7693759?login=false
#RCSIdiscover
The Brain and Climate Change, a powerful new short film from @Futureneuro_ie, RCSI and @ILAEweb explores how rising temperatures impact brain function and why it matters for those living with neurological conditions.
Watch the trailer below ahead of the 19 May launch ⬇️
Register now for our upcoming #RCSIMyHealth episode which will explore the crucial role of sleep in our overall health, well-being, and performance.
The episode will go live on Thursday, 13 May.
More information and registration: http://tinyurl.com/6bw59ynk
RCSI research has revealed the dynamic genetic landscape of Ireland and Britain over time.
In the study led by researchers at @RCSIPharmBioMol, population structure, migration, and historical isolation shape regional identities.
🔗 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-025-01794-0
#RCSIdiscover
RCSI awarded the prestigious Emily Winifred Dickson Award to Frances Fitzgerald, former Tánaiste, Minister, TD and MEP for her work in advancing women's issues and contribution as a trailblazer and change maker in Irish and EU politics and society.
More: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/news-and-events/news/news-article/2025/05/frances-fitzgerald-awarded-rcsi-emily-winifred-dickson-award
We are proud to present the Emily Winifred Dickson award to Frances Fitzgerald.
The award recognises Ms Fitzgerald’s outstanding contribution as a trailblazer and change maker in Irish and European politics and civic society.
Register now for our upcoming #RCSIMyHealth episode which will explore the crucial role of sleep in our overall health, well-being, and performance.
The episode will go live on Thursday, 13 May.
More information and registration: https://tinyurl.com/6bw59ynk
Congratulations to Dr @ailishmalone and Dr @LarkinJames on receiving @Researchirel New Foundations funding.
Their projects will support participation in physical activity by people with disability and explore public health alcohol policy.
#RCSIdiscover
Research Ireland announces 59 New Foundations awards to tackle national and global issues -...
Research Ireland has announced funding for 59 projects under its New Foundations programme.
www.researchireland.ie
RCSI was awarded @EU_Commission Inclusive Gender Equality Champion.
This article explores the steps taken by RCSI to address gender inequality such as paid leave for those experiencing menopause or domestic violence/abuse and a mentoring programme.
More: https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/horizon-magazine/science-all-europes-gender-equality-awards-research-herald-more-progress-ahead
Developing students tobecome ‘world citizens’
RCSI has extensive international partnerships including:
Clinical/research elective agreements and Erasmus partnerships with an extensive list of international institutions including Johns Hopkins University, McMaster University and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Joint undergraduate Pharmacy programme with Soochow University, China
Transnational education operations/partnerships in Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), Malaysia (RCSI UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) and PU-RCSI School of Medicine) and Dubai (RCSI Dubai)
5% of research output produced through international collaboration with 1,758 institutions worldwide (Source: SciVal 2013-2017 accessed February 2019)
Mission and vision
- To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Scholarship
- Innovation
At the global forefront of pioneering medical research
18,000
alumni, practicing in 97 countries
€35.1m
Research grant income 2018
The mission of RCSI’s research strategy is to improve human health through translational research: clinical, laboratory-based and health service research informed by bedside problems, and societal and global health challenges. We promote innovative research that leads to improved diagnostics, therapeutics and devices; tackles important healthcare delivery issues; informs policy and clinical practice and enhances the quality of education of healthcare professionals.
RCSI is developing research centres in areas of excellence and critical mass, focused on clinical and patient-centred research:
- Cancer
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
- Surgical Science and Practice
- Population Health and Health Services
- Vascular Biology
Become a Member
The World 100 Reputation Network is a group of the best universities in the world, delivering research that enhances reputation and offering leaders the chance to develop their own careers on a global stage. Members benefit from events and study tours, training, monthly media monitoring, and unique reputation research to provide institutional advantage.