Dr. Sadhbh O'Neill Scanlon joined the Hospital in 2018 as Research & Ethics Manager and was appointed Head of Research in 2022. She provides strategic leadership for research across the organisation, supporting the development, governance, and delivery of high-quality clinical research.
She has extensive experience in research and clinical trials, with a strong background in research governance, ethics, study management, and research data protection in her capacity as the Hospital’s Research Data Protection Officer (DPO). Dr. O’Neill Scanlon works closely with investigators, sponsors, academic partners, and clinical teams to foster a research-active environment and to support the successful delivery of studies across a range of specialties.
As Head of Research, she oversees research strategy, regulatory and ethical compliance, and the continued growth of the CRF in her role as the Operations Manager. She is committed to promoting excellence in research, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that all research conducted within the organisation meets the highest standards of scientific integrity, participant safety, and regulatory compliance.
Prof. Patrick Mitchell is a Respiratory Consultant at TUH, Clinical Lead of the CRF, and Associate Professor of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin. He has extensive experience as a Principal Investigator in respiratory clinical trials and has led and supported numerous studies across a range of respiratory conditions.
As Clinical Lead of the CRF, Prof. Mitchell provides strategic and clinical oversight for research activity within the facility, supporting the delivery of high-quality clinical trials and fostering collaboration between investigators, sponsors, and multidisciplinary teams. His academic and research experience contributes significantly to the development and advancement of clinical research within the organisation
Ms. Saoirse Collins is the Clinical Nurse Manager 2 (CNM2) of the CRF and also serves as a Clinical Trial Coordinator. She brings extensive clinical and research experience to the role, having worked for many years as an Intensive Care Unit nurse before moving into clinical research.
Saoirse has significant experience coordinating and managing Phase II and Phase III clinical trials, as well as observational research studies. Her skills include study start-up, participant management, regulatory compliance, and the day-to-day operational delivery of clinical research.
As CNM2, Saoirse is responsible for the daily management of the CRF, ensuring effective research operations and supporting the successful initiation and conduct of studies. She works closely with investigators, sponsors, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that research is delivered efficiently, safely, and in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and regulatory requirements.
Ms. Deirdre O'Brien is the Clinical Trials & Studies Contracts Officer for the Research Office. She plays a key role in supporting the efficient start-up of clinical trials and research studies, ensuring clear, timely communication between sponsors and the research site.
Deirdre manages all contractual aspects of study initiation, working closely with sponsors, investigators, and institutional stakeholders to keep research projects moving forward. She also oversees the collection and coordination of research-related data protection documentation, ensuring that all relevant agreements are collated and submitted for review by the Research DPO. Through her expertise and attention to detail, Deirdre helps ensure that studies are established in full compliance with contractual, regulatory, and data protection requirements, contributing to the successful delivery of high-quality clinical research.
Ms. Caoimhe Murphy is the Administrative Officer & Research Assistant for the CRF, providing essential administrative and operational support to the research team. Her responsibilities include the coordination and management of research data capture, reporting activities, and the organisation of trial participant visits.
Caoimhe plays a key role in supporting study screening and the informed consent processes, helping to ensure that research activities are conducted in accordance with ethical, regulatory, and Good Clinical Practice requirements. Through her strong organisational skills and attention to detail, she contributes to the efficient delivery of clinical research studies and supports a positive experience for all research participants.
