IRMPA launches as a national voice for Ireland’s research management profession

Members of the IRMPA Board at the formal launch of the Irish Research Managers and Professionals Association on 9 September 2026. Pictured from (L to R): Amy Hall, DCU; Aideen O’Byrne, TU Dublin; Nwabuogo Enwerem, TU Dublin; Jane Kavanagh, Teagasc; Deirdre Clayton, Maynooth University; Hillary Cronin, MTU and John Judge, DCU.

The launch marks a significant milestone for a community that has come together over recent years to shape and build the Association. The Irish Research Managers and Professionals Association (IRMPA) has been developed with extensive input from research managers and professionals across Ireland, many of whom have also volunteered their time and expertise to help establish the Association.

Since opening for membership in August, IRMPA has already attracted more than 100 members working across universities, technological universities, research institutes, state organisations, and other bodies involved in research and innovation.

IRMPA aims to provide a professional home and strong national voice for research managers and professionals across Ireland’s research and innovation system, supporting professional development, strengthening connections across the community, and increasing recognition of the contribution the profession makes to research and innovation.

Speaking at IRMPA’s inaugural Annual General Meeting in Dublin on Wednesday, 9 September, Jane Kavanagh, Chairperson of IRMPA and Head of Research Development and Walsh Scholarships at Teagasc, said: “IRMPA has been shaped by the research management community itself. Colleagues from across Ireland came together because they saw the need for a national professional association, and many have given their time and expertise voluntarily to help build it.

Ms Kavanagh said, “The response since we opened for membership has been extremely encouraging, with more than 100 members already joining the Association. That demonstrates both the strength of the community, and the appetite for a professional body that can connect, support, and represent research managers and professionals across Ireland.

“Our ambition now is to build on those foundations: to provide real value to our members, strengthen the visibility and recognition of the profession in Ireland, and connect our community with colleagues and developments across Europe and internationally.”

Membership of IRMPA is open to research managers and professionals working in Irish institutions and organisations, including universities, technological universities, research institutes, state agencies and other bodies across the research and innovation system.

IRMPA will continue to develop links with the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) and with peer professional associations across the island of Ireland, Europe and internationally, connecting the Irish research management community with wider developments in the profession.

Its priorities for 2026–2027 are to strengthen the visibility and voice of the profession, deliver greater value for members and strengthen the professional community, develop professional development opportunities, and build a sustainable organisation.

Further information about IRMPA and membership is available at www.irmpa.ie.

Notes to Editors

IRMPA is the national professional association for research managers and professionals in Ireland.

IRMPA Board members:
Veronica Cawley, ATU; Deirdre Clayton, MU; Katie Conway, UCC; Hillary Cronin (Secretary), MTU; John Donovan; Nwabuogo Enwerem, TU Dublin; Amy Hall, DCU; John Judge, DCU; Claire Kavanagh (Treasurer), UCD; Jane Kavanagh (Chairperson), Teagasc; and Aideen O’Byrne, TU Dublin.

Membership:
www.irmpa.ie