Eimer O'Connell

Eimer plays a central role in supporting Institute members across the full lifecycle of their research projects and programmes. Based in the Biomedical Science Building at the University of Galway, the postholder specialises in the coordination, administration, and non‑scientific management of Institute‑affiliated research activities. With over four years’ experience in research project management, they bring energy, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.

Eimer oversees a diverse portfolio of grants from national and international funders, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones, compliance with funder requirements, and effective monitoring and reporting. Eimer contributes to strategic grant development by supporting non‑scientific aspects of proposal writing, preparing budgets, managing consortia, and identifying suitable national and European funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe.

A key focus of the role is optimising post‑award performance—reducing procurement and recruitment timelines, improving project start‑up efficiency, and ensuring smooth navigation through university systems. Eimer manages project budgets in line with University policy, liaises closely with the Research Accounts Office, and supports procurement and recruitment processes across funded projects.

Beyond project-specific duties, Eimer contributes to the broader strategic development of the Institute and the Technology Service Directorate (TSD). This includes supporting operational activities, helping develop a booking management system, coordinating pre‑ and post‑award meetings, facilitating communication and dissemination activities, and delivering Institute‑developed training to staff. The role also involves engaging with collaborators and representing the Institute at partner meetings both nationally and internationally.

Through proactive, autonomous work, Eimer strengthens the research environment by enabling investigators to focus on scientific outputs, driving greater impact, and supporting the Institute’s long‑term growth.