Professor Orla Hardiman of Trinity College Dublin has once again been recognised for her remarkable contributions to research into neurodegenerative conditions. Recently, she was awarded the prestigious Impact Award by the Health Research Board (HRB), which is given to individuals whose research improves health policy and leads to meaningful changes in healthcare. The Impact Award recognizes researchers who have made a significant impact on health policy and led to meaningful improvements in people’s health and care.

Dr. Mairéad O’Driscoll, CEO of HRB, praised Hardiman for her exceptional work in the field. She stated that throughout her career, Hardiman has put her patients and their families first, which has been the main driver for her research and contribution to advancing professional practice. Hardiman is a leading authority on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other forms of motor neuron disease (MND).

In her acceptance speech, Professor Hardiman expressed her gratitude and humbleness. She said, “My genuine hope is that I, and our research group, have made an impact that will outlast our own professional careers and that we will in the future be able to say that ALS/MND is a chronic, rather than a fatal, condition.”

Hardiman’s research has had a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and their families, and her contributions have helped to improve healthcare policies and practices.