The HRB funded Irish Critical Care-Clinical Trials Network (ICC-CTN) was established in 2015 and has become a leading critical care research network in Ireland and globally. The CTN aims to support efforts to conduct high quality clinical trials on the Island of Ireland, based on the opportunity, the science, the feasibility and the ability to enhance the standing of our network locally and internationally. Our approach is to energetically grow the network accessibility, size, geographical coverage and scope, to grow the portfolio of CTN supported studies (investigator initiated and industry studies), to develop a reputation for high quality work and establish a sustainable CTN for long term success.
We have an open and inclusive approach to requests for collaboration and assistance. In the CTN we aim to build collaborations for local and national investigator led studies and to develop industry collaborations into our portfolio.
Mission Statement
To improve outcomes (reducing mortality and morbidity) of patients requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatment, and to ensure that these outcomes are achieved in an efficient and effective manner that allows access to this critical resource to be maximised.
Continue to conduct world-leading studies: Following on from the ICC-CTN’s previous high quality clinical trials conducted in Ireland and worldwide, that have helped to guide patient treatment and improve outcomes in the critically ill.
World Leading Trial Co-Ordination
Develop the ICC-CTN as a world leading trial co-ordination centre: Having successfully established itself as an Irish hub for ICU research, the next step is to grow our international reputation as a leading clinical trials centre.
Network Expansion
Expanding the network and studies: The ICC-CTN has received both national and international research grants which have allowed it to expand its collaborations in Ireland and internationally. This momentum will be used to increase geographical scope, broaden the types of research being carried out and grow the network team.
The Next Generation
Supporting the next generation of clinicians/scientists: Training and educational opportunities will continue to be provided to clinicians and researchers throughout Ireland to support their professional development.
Learning About Research
Learn about how research is conducted: Carrying out research on how clinical trials are currently being conducted, with an aim to improve both the quality and methods used.
The Patient's Voice
Putting a focus on the patient’s voice: By involving patients and their families in research to ensure the research is relevant to the population, by reflecting on their experiences and by making research both accessible and easy to understand for all.
The Future
The future of the ICC-CTN is bright, with the impact the network is having on patients, their families and ICU research, both nationally and internationally, being of great significance.
Alistair is the Chair of Critical Care Medicine in University College Dublin (UCD), and the Director of the Irish Critical Care - Clinical Trials Network (ICC-CTN). He is the Dept Director of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Alistair works clinically in St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin and is an honorary Intensivist in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. He has been awarded over 70 million euros in research funding and published numerous articles in the world’s highest impact journals, including first author publications in the NEJM, Lancet and JAMA. Apart from having multiple jobs Alistair also has 4 kids under 14 years of age. He obviously therefore has no hobbies, no sporting interests but he lives in hope of this improving :)
Kate Ainscough
Kate is the ICC-CTN Network Manager and works to support the portfolio of clinical trials, research projects and activities delivered by the Network. Kate has a background in food and nutrition science; studying at UCD and the University of Ulster, Coleraine to undertake her undergraduate degree, masters and PhD. Now working in the critical care research arena, Kate is also collaborating with local and international clinical nutrition colleagues working in critical care to deliver a programme of nutrition research in Ireland. In her spare time, Kate enjoys the company of family, friends and her beloved boxer dogs, reads books on philosophy and pursues interior design interests.
Kathy Brickell
Kathy leads the coordination of our trials portfolio; their implementation and management in the ICU in St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, and also plays an important role in their set-up across our network. Kathy has worked on over 20 critical care trials to date, champions our PPIE activities and is an experienced trial monitor and outcome assessor .
With over 20 years’ experience as an ICU nurse, Kathy brings her knowledge and expertise to this role.
Kathy has a passion for scuba diving and the sea. She also loves to travel and maintains a regular yoga practice.
Leanne Hays
Dr Leanne Hays is a Postdoctoral research fellow and the ICC-CTN Public and Patient Involvement lead. Leanne has a background in molecular microbiology completing her PhD in Trinity College Dublin and has a QQI level 6 certificate in Project Management. She leads the ICC-CTN’s PPIE nationally and internationally, is involved in ICC-CTN study coordination, academic activities and biological sampling. In her spare time she loves to travel, eat good food and enjoy la dolce vita.
Danny McAuley
Danny is Professor in Intensive Care Medicine at Queen's University, Belfast; Co-Director of Research for the Intensive Care Society & an Intensivist at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
His major research area is acute lung injury. His research portfolio spans the investigation of intial novel therapeutic agents in vitro, human models of ALI, phase 2 clinical trials and large scale international phase 3 clinical trials. Other research interests are vascular reactivity in critical illness, nosocomial MRSA and fungal infection, acute kidney injury, delirium in critical illness and interventions in patients undergoing major vascular surgery to avoid pulmonary complications.
Aideen Sharry
Aideen is the Junior Project Manager for the ICC-CTN Acquired Brain Injury Programme, based in the UCD Clinical Research Centre at St Vincent’s University Hospital. She completed her BA in Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin before moving into clinical research. She assists with the ongoing CTN-conducted trials in Europe and works on our various CTN committees and work packages. In her spare time, she is passionate about ballet dancing and working with the Dublin Simon Community.
Alex Sherry
Alex is a Research Assistant based in St Vincent's University Hospital, working to support the ICC-CTN group portfolio of clinical trials, research projects and activities. Alex is a current medical student at UCD, with a background in Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences. She brings three years’ experience in the biopharmaceutical Industry, following completion of a Masters in Biotechnology and Business at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate business school, to the ICC-CTN group. In her spare time Alex enjoys spending time with friends and family, sea swimming, sailing and travelling to experience new cultures whenever she gets the chance.
Biji Thomas
Biji is an ICU Research Coordinator, having worked as a bedside nurse for the last 22 years in different specialities and most recently in the critical care unit. She has completed her postgraduate studies in critical care nursing. Biji works with Kathy recruiting and randomising patients into different clinical trials. Biji is a busy mom outside her working times. She loves family time. She enjoys reading, if she can spare any time for same.
Binita Maharjan
Binita is CNM2- Research Nurse, working with microbiology research projects and ICC-CTN ICU clinical trials based in St. Vincent’s University Hospital. She did M.Phil. International Community Health from University of Oslo, Norway. Previously, coordinated different observational, bio-banking, surveillance studies and clinical trials for about 5 years mostly in infectious diseases, dermatology and respiratory conditions.
She loves to explore new places/activities and make authentic dishes from Nepal.
Claudia Lonergan
Claudia is a Research Assistant based in St Vincent's University Hospital. Claudia works on the EPO-TRAUMA trial, a UCD/MONASH co-sponsored trial. Claudia also works to support the portfolio of clinical trials, research projects, and activities managed by the ICC-CTN group. She has a BSc in Biomedical Health and Life Sciences from UCD. In her spare time Claudia enjoys practising yoga, cooking and travelling.
Niamh Mahon
Niamh is the Junior Project Manager for the ICC-CTN Pandemic Programme, based in St Vincent's University Hospital. She has a BSc in Biomedical Health and Life Sciences and a masters in research from UCD focusing on sleep in neuromuscular disorders. She has worked with the ICC-CTN for the past 18 months, previously as a research assistant and currently as the junior project manager for the REMAP-CAP trial since December.
Sian Donnelly
Sian is the ICC-CTN Junior Project Manager for the EPO-Trauma trial. She has a background in business and law; studying at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School where she completed her Master’s degree in Project Management. Now working on EPO-Trauma, Sian leads and supports the participating sites across Europe in conjunction with our co-sponsors at Monash University, Melbourne. Sian is involved in the planning, executing, collaborating and monitoring of the trial, ensuring adherence to the European and local regulatory guidelines and ethical standards for the highest level of patient safety. In her spare time, Sian has a passion for art, photography and travel.
Rob Mac Sweeney
Rob is an intensivist at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and runs Critical Care Reviews, an evidence dissemination platform. He assists with the ICC-CTN website and trial dissemination.
Alistair is the Chair of Critical Care Medicine in University College Dublin (UCD), and the Director of the Irish Critical Care - Clinical Trials Network (ICC-CTN). He is the Dept Director of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Alistair works clinically in St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin and is an honorary Intensivist in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. He has been awarded over 70 million euros in research funding and published numerous articles in the world’s highest impact journals, including first author publications in the NEJM, Lancet and JAMA. Apart from having multiple jobs Alistair also has 4 kids under 14 years of age. He obviously therefore has no hobbies, no sporting interests but he lives in hope of this improving :)
Kathy Brickell
Kathy leads the coordination of our trials portfolio; their implementation and management in the ICU in St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, and also plays an important role in their set-up across our network. Kathy has worked on over 20 critical care trials to date, champions our PPIE activities and is an experienced trial monitor and outcome assessor. Kathy is chair of the ICC-CTN PPI work package.
With over 20 years’ experience as an ICU nurse, Kathy brings her knowledge and expertise to this role.
Kathy has a passion for scuba diving and the sea. She also loves to travel and maintains a regular yoga practice.
Kate Ainscough
Kate is the ICC-CTN Network Manager and works to support the portfolio of clinical trials, research projects and activities delivered by the Network. Kate has a background in food and nutrition science; studying at UCD and the University of Ulster, Coleraine to undertake her undergraduate degree, masters and PhD. Now working in the critical care research arena, Kate is also collaborating with local and international clinical nutrition colleagues working in critical care to deliver a programme of nutrition research in Ireland. In her spare time, Kate enjoys the company of family, friends and her beloved boxer dogs, reads books on philosophy and pursues interior design interests.
Danny McAuley
Danny McAuley is a Consultant and Professor in Intensive Care Medicine at the Regional Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital and Queen’s University of Belfast. He undertook his training in Belfast, Birmingham, London and San Francisco. He is Programme Director for the MRC/NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) programme. He has several research interests including Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and clinical trials. Danny is Co-Vice-Chair of the ICC-CTN’s Work Package 1 - Optimising Trial Coordination, Performance and Methodology.
Anna Curley
Dr Anna Curley works in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. She was previously a neonatal consultant in Cambridge, UK for 11 years and has worked in Ireland, UK, Australia and Africa. She is an Associate Professor in University College Dublin. Whilst working as a neonatologist in Cambridge, Anna also worked in medical regulation for the Medical Council from 2013-2016. Her original research doctorate was based on chronic lung disease in preterm infants and her subspecialty clinical interest is in Neonatal Cardiorespiratory medicine. She has been involved in multiple neonatal randomised controlled trials as Chief Investigator or co-investigator. She was co-chief investigator of PlaNeT-2 study, a platelet transfusion threshold trial which demonstrated increased mortality/major bleeding with the use of higher neonatal platelet transfusion thresholds (NEJM 2018) and is now preparing the PlaNeT-3 study of differing platelet volumes in preterm babies in the UK and Ireland (funded by HRB DIFA). Anna is Vice-Chair of the ICC-CTN’s Work Package 5 - Sustainability, Growth and Global Integration.
Bairbre McNicholas
Dr Bairbre McNicholas is a medical intensivist and nephrologist with basic science training in immunology, having completed a Ph.D. and post-doctoral and nephrology training in Ireland and at the University of Washington, Seattle respectively. She completed a post certificate of specialist training fellowship in Intensive Care Medicine in 2018. She currently practices as a consultant Intensivist and Nephrologist at Galway University Hospital. She is a member of the Irish Critical Care Trials Group Executive Committee, a senior clinical lecturer at University of Galway, School of Medicine and is active in both clinical and translational research. Bairbre is Co-Vice-Chair of the ICC-CTN’s Work Package 3 - Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination.
Clodagh Rock
Ms Clodagh Rock is a former ICU patient and trial participant. Clodagh is a leading member of the ICC-CTN Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) group since its inception (2020). She is co-vice chair of the ICC-CTN PPI work package and ICC-CTN Executive Committee member where she provides essential insights as a former patient and supports and develops the group’s activities and meetings.
Declan Devane
Declan trained as a nurse and a midwife, meandered (with the help of opportunity, interest and luck) his way into trial methodology and evidence synthesis and his work now focusses on a blend across randomised trials and synthesising evidence across a number of clinical areas.
Declan is the Chair in Health Research Methodology and Deputy Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Galway. He is also the Scientific Director of the HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, Director of Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Director of Cochrane Ireland. Declan is Co-Vice-Chair of the ICC-CTN’s Work Package 1 - Optimising Trial Coordination, Performance and Methodology.
Gerard Curley
Gerard Curley is Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care in Beaumont Hospital. He completed clinical and research training in Ireland and Toronto, under the supervision of Professor John Laffey and Professor Brian Kavanagh. His translational research focuses on the role of inflammatory pathways, resolution mediators and innate immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of critical illness. The group’s aim is to develop novel immunomodulatory therapies to promote the resolution of inflammation. Ger is the lead for the ICC-CTN’s Work Package 4 - Clinical Trials / Trialists of the Future.
Kiran Reddy
Kiran Reddy is an early career researcher member of the ICC-CTN executive committee. He is an HRB/Wellcome Trust funded research fellow on the ICAT Programme and a senior clinical trainee in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine on the SAT scheme. He is currently based in the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast. Kiran’s research interests focus on using large clinical datasets to elucidate biological subgroups of critical care syndromes, particularly acute respiratory failure, and leveraging these subgroups to develop stratified precision medicine trials in intensive care medicine.
Patrick Mallon
Professor Paddy Mallon is Professor of Microbial Diseases in University College Dublin (UCD) and an Infectious Diseases Specialist at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin. He is the director of the UCD Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research (CEPHR), which focuses on translational research into outcomes of infections such as HIV, COVID and tuberculosis. He is the National Coordinator for the EU VACCELERATE network that provides a platform for COVID19 vaccine trials. His own research interests include age-related outcomes in HIV and host biological determinants of outcome from infection. He is on the governing board of the European AIDS Clinical Society, Head of Education for EACS and is a member of the EACS Comorbidities Guidelines Panel.
Jon Silversides
Jon is a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Critical Care at Queen’s University Belfast, and a Consultant in Critical Care and Anaesthesia at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. He developed an interest in clinical research while undertaking a fellowship in critical care medicine at the University of Toronto in 2011-12, and completed a part-time PhD at QUB between 2015 and 2019.
Jon’s research is driven by clinical challenges in the ICU and the operating theatre, and includes clinical trials and experimental medicine approaches. His research interests in critical care include the management of fluid therapy and deresuscitation in sepsis and other critical illnesses, including the use of ultrafiltration. Within perioperative medicine, he is chief investigator for the SINFONIA trial, comparing sugammadex with neostigmine for prevention of post-operative pulmonary complications.
Jon leads the critical care specialty group in the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network, is on the executive committee of the Irish Critical Care Trials Network, and is a Chief Investigator scheme member of the Perioperative Medicine Clinical Trials Network. Jon is Co-Vice-Chair of the ICC-CTN’s Work Package 3 - Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination.
Peter Doran
Prof Peter Doran is Established Professor of Clinical Trials and Director of the Institute for Innovative clinical Trials at the University of Galway. Under his leadership the Institute is focused on delivering better outcomes for patients by building on the depth of academic and clinical expertise at Galway, The research programme tackles the major health issues facing society today and into the future.
Prof. Peter Doran earned his BSc. from Dublin City University in 1998 and his PhD from University College Dublin in 2001. He was the founding Director of the UCD Clinical Research Centre. Under his leadership the UCD CRC developed an internationally renowned clinical research programme.
Prof Doran leads a significant biomarker research programme and has established a high throughput biomarker validation laboratory, which is contributing to major national and international end organ damage biomarker studies, reflecting his research interests in the molecular drivers of organ damage, biomarker discovery and translation to practice.
Prof Doran also has significant research interests in advancing trial conduct through primary methodology research, novel trial designs, research prioritisation and sustainable trials. Prof Doran also has a significant track record in clinical research education having established the graduate taught programme in clinical and translational research which includes a suite of programmes designed to address the career stage specific education and training requirements of clinical research personnel. Peter is Chair of the ICC-CTN’s Work Package 5 - Sustainability, Growth and Global Integration.
Patrick Murray
Patrick Murray is a Full Professor of Clinical Pharmacology in University College Dublin (UCD), and a consultant physician (clinical pharmacologist & nephrologist) at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH), Dublin, Ireland. He received his medical education at UCD. Following his internship at MMUH, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, USA. He completed fellowship training programmes in nephrology, critical care medicine, and clinical pharmacology at the University of Chicago Hospitals (UCH), USA. He practiced as an intensivist, nephrologist, and clinical pharmacologist at UCH from 1996–2008, serving as the fellowship training programme director in nephrology, also directing the Acute Dialysis Service. He has a longstanding interest in research and education to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of acute kidney injury and nephrotoxicity, and the pharmacotherapy of patients with kidney disease. He is a member of several international consensus groups that have produced guidelines for research and practice in the field of acute kidney injury (ADQI, AKIN, KDOQI).
Since 2008, he has been the inaugural Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at UCD, and a Consultant in Nephrology & Clinical Pharmacology at MMUH and at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. He is Chair of the MMUH Drugs & Therapeutics Committee. He is the Clinical Director of the UCD Clinical Research Centre (UCD CRC). In 2012, he was appointed Director of the Dublin Centre for Clinical Research (DCCR) Consortium Network, and also Clinical Director of the Irish Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ICRIN). From December 2012 through June 2018, he served as the Dean and Head of the School of Medicine at UCD. He is currently Director of the UCD CRC. Pat is Vice-Chair of the ICC-CTN’s Work Package 5 - Sustainability, Growth and Global Integration.
