University of Limerick has appointed a new executive dean in the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, it has been announced.
Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins confirmed the appointment of Professor Deirdre McGrath to the position of Executive Dean Faculty of Education and Health Sciences.
Professor McGrath was appointed to the position on an interim basis in March 2023 and now takes on the role on a five-year fixed term basis following an external recruitment process.
A native of Limerick, Professor McGrath graduated with a medical degree from University College Cork in 1991. Having moved to the UK, she was awarded a Doctorate in Medicine with Imperial College, University of London and was subsequently appointed as a substantive Consultant in General and Respiratory Medicine and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Medical Education at St Georges University and NHS Trust.
Professor McGrath returned to Ireland in 2007 and has been involved with the UL School of Medicine, pioneering new methods of medical education and assessment, since its establishment.
She was appointed Head of the UL School of Medicine in February 2019 until she took over as interim executive dean of the faculty.
Professor Kilcommins said: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Deirdre McGrath as the new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences at University of Limerick. Professor McGrath brings a wealth of academic and clinical experience to this pivotal role, and her appointment marks a significant milestone for our institution.
“The disciplines within Education and Health Sciences are at the heart of our mission to advance teaching, learning, and research that have a profound impact on society.
“Professor McGrath’s extensive background and expertise will undoubtedly continue to enhance our efforts to foster innovation, excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration within these fields.
“We are confident that under her continued leadership, the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences will continue to thrive, producing graduates who are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Her vision and dedication align perfectly with our commitment to providing a transformative educational experience for our students.”
Professor McGrath said: “I am honoured to lead a Faculty of deeply passionate and committed individuals—students, faculty, and staff—who are dedicated to our University and the communities we serve. I also have immense confidence that the Faculty is poised to make a great impact moving forward. I am looking forward therefore to working with our staff and stakeholders to create an ambitious and inspiring future knowing that every challenge we encounter is a chance to improve lives and inspire the next generation of health professionals and educators.”
Professor McGrath is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London and of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, she has represented UL, the School of Medicine and Ireland on national and international committees in Medical Education, has published widely and has won awards for education excellence and for research and innovation.
She is one of the Founding Principal Investigators of 4i, the Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation and Immunity and her key research interests are in medical education, the clinical application of medical devices and immunity and inflammation.