Dr Avril Kennan serves as the CEO of Health Research Charities Ireland (HRCI), supporting a thriving a community of 45 charities to engage in all aspects of health research, while also acting as their national advocate.

Under her leadership, HRCI runs the Irish Health Research Forum, bringing together all stakeholders to improve health research in Ireland.

She also oversees HRCI’s management of the Joint Funding Scheme, in a partnership with the Health Research Board.

Avril plays a leading role nationally in PPI, research impact, health data, research funding, genetics and genomics and rare diseases.