UCC Research Career Achievement Award

Professor Caitriona O’Driscoll has been awarded the 2024 UCC Research Career Achievement Award in recognition for her pioneering research, her academic leadership in Pharmacy, and her global impact in advancing drug delivery technologies.

As Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutics at UCC, Caitriona played a key role in building the School of Pharmacy from its launch in 2003, helping shape it into one of Ireland’s leading centres for pharmacy education and research.

Her research has had a major impact on the development of advanced drug delivery systems, particularly for complex medicines such as RNA therapeutics, proteins, and peptides. Internationally recognised among the top 2% of most-cited researchers in her field, Caitriona has earned a global reputation for her innovative work in non-viral RNA delivery and formulation science.



In addition to her research, Caitriona plays a key leadership role at the SFI Research Centres CÚRAM and AMBER, and contributes to major European initiatives such as GENEGUT, which is developing new gene therapy approaches for gastrointestinal diseases. At UCC, she also leads the Future Medicines initiative, driving new strategies for next-generation therapies and RNA technologies.

Her work has earned her a range of accolades over the years, including election to the Royal Irish Academy in 2024. The Research Career Achievement Award marks yet another milestone in a career defined by innovation, mentorship, and a lasting contribution to pharmaceutical science.