Avril is passionate about supporting charities to improve lives through research. In her role as CEO, she oversees all the activities of the organisation including the HRCI-HRB Joint Funding Scheme, the management of the Irish Health Research Forum and many activities relating supporting the HRCI members and patient and public involvement (PPI) in research.  Avril’s PhD and subsequent lab experience are in the field of molecular genetics. In previous roles in DEBRA Ireland and DEBRA International, she drove a range of international initiatives, including the management of a network of over 200 clinicians and patients to develop evidence-based clinical guidelines and the establishment of an international patient registry. She has been a member of many national and international boards, steering groups and committees and is a frequent public speaker.