iREACH Health hosted the Commercial Clinical Trials Event 2025, celebrating the partnerships between academia, industry, and healthcare that are positioning Northern Ireland as a region of choice for commercial clinical trials. 

Keynote and Speaker Highlights 

The event opened with the Lewis J Hurwitz Memorial Lecture, delivered by Professor Melanie Davies CBE, a world-leading diabetes researcher from the University of Leicester. In her keynote, “Crafting commercial partnerships which deliver for patients”, Professor Davies emphasised how collaborative approaches can accelerate trial delivery and improve patient care. 

Lewis J Hurwitz Memorial Lecture keynote speaker Professor Melanie Davies (4th from left), pictured with (L–R): Professor Danny McAuley, Professor Liam Heaney, Professor Judy Bradley, Professor Alan Smyth, and Honorary Professor Matt Rowland

 

Delegates also heard from Dr Matt Rowland (Novartis) on industry–academic collaboration, and Professor Liam Heaney (Queen’s University Belfast) on Northern Ireland’s global leadership in respiratory research. Dr Rhonda Campbell (HSC R&D Division) provided an update on the Northern Ireland VPAG investment, a significant development to strengthen research infrastructure and support delivery of commercial trials. 

Following their individual presentations, the speakers joined a panel discussion to field questions from delegates and discuss the best path forward for clinical research in Northern Ireland.

Panel members pictured left to right: Dr Matt Rowland (Novartis), Dr Rhonda Campbell (HSC R&D Division), and Professor Liam Heaney (Queen’s University Belfast), who shared insights from industry, funders, and academia during a Q&A session

 

Recognising Rising Stars 

A highlight of the programme was the announcement of the iREACH Health 2025 Collaborative Industry Clinical Trials Award, which recognises outstanding partnership working to deliver clinical trial excellence. Shortlisted “rising stars” presented their collaborative research in the fields of: 

• Neurodegenerative disease and dementia 

• Rectal cancer 

• Chronic respiratory disease 

Each finalist received research support funding to continue advancing their projects and expanding the growth of industry-led clinical trials. 

Speaking at the event, Professor Alan Smyth, Dean & Head of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, said: 

“These awards celebrate the innovation and collaboration that place Northern Ireland at the forefront of clinical trials. By working together, we are achieving better outcomes for patients here and further afield. The standard of work presented today by our award finalists was truly excellent, reflecting the strength of our partnerships with industry and healthcare and the impact they are already making for patients.” 

 

Collaboration and Opportunity 

The event brought together researchers, industry leaders, and healthcare professionals, reaffirming Northern Ireland’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class clinical research. 

Professor Danny McAuley, Professor and Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Queen’s University and Chair of the morning session, noted: 

“Today’s discussions and presentations underline the strength of our partnerships and the exciting opportunities ahead. Northern Ireland is uniquely placed to be a leader in commercial clinical trials, with the capacity to deliver research that will make Northern Ireland a region of choice.” 

Adding to this, Professor Judy Bradley, SRO of iREACH Health, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration and capacity building: 

“Collaborating with industry is essential to the growth of clinical trials in Northern Ireland. By building strong partnerships between academia, healthcare, and industry, we can accelerate research, attract investment, and ensure patients here have access to the very latest treatments and innovations. Equally important is investing in and growing our clinical academic workforce, so that we have the expertise and capacity to deliver these trials now and into the future.” 

Feedback & Reflections 

Attendees praised the event for providing a clear overview of the research landscape and infrastructure across Northern Ireland and the UK. They found the discussions valuable in exploring both the challenges and successes of clinical research, with industry perspectives singled out as especially insightful. Delegates also valued the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and build new connections. 

 

Delegates, including award recipient Dr Joseph Kane, watch attentively as Professor Melanie Davies delivers the Lewis J Hurwitz Memorial Lecture