Research update: celebrating a passion for research

RCSI’s Research Strategy focuses on translational health research – ‘from bench to bedside to population’ – because ultimately ‘Today’s research is tomorrow’s healthcare’. We work to ensure that you, our undergraduate students, get a sense of the research culture of RCSI during your education here. The passion for research, and the great strides being made in their specialties, are evident from the testimonials of some of your senior professors in the following pages of this special 10th anniversary volume of the RCSIsmj. Alongside their commentaries, I can add from my experience that the best research is conducted when differing disciplines bring their collective expertise together to address a specific health problem. The Department of Psychology, among others, has focused on researching the patient’s perspective on health, illness and healthcare. Topics such as patient quality of life and family burden have become increasingly important research themes in many health conditions. RCSI has led on many Irish population health surveys – on general lifestyle, on sexual health and on ageing. We are also proud to co-host a national postgraduate PhD training programme in health services and population health (SPHeRE). Student research is supported in numerous ways in the RCSI – in particular through the Research Summer School, where over 120 students annually get an opportunity to join research teams here. The student conference (ICHAMS: International Conference of Health and Medicine Students), now in its sixth year, is an example of RCSI student-led showcasing of undergraduate research work. The RCSIsmj is the perfect closing point to that triangle of opportunities to ‘conduct, present and publish’ research as a student. Since its inception in 2008 the RCSIsmj has provided a great platform for undergraduate students to showcase and publish your research. The success of the RCSIsmj comes from the skill, enthusiasm, and dedication of fellow students who serve as the RCSIsmj Executive Committee, the staff writers and the peer review team. The RCSIsmj has gone from strength to strength. It has been wonderful to witness its growth over the last 10 years. As staff, we proudly and regularly present copies to external visitors – who (almost) don't believe such a quality publication could be student produced! We are happy to pass on the credit to you as student teams and contributors who have made this reputation of RCSIsmj possible. We celebrate the 10th anniversary edition. Well done to all who have been involved over the last 10 years; your contribution to the RCSI’s overall research profile and reputation has been invaluable. Happy 10th birthday!</p