“Innovation at NIPC is about making sure that research translates into meaningful change for patients and health services. My focus is on leading work that improves access, quality and integration of care, while supporting healthcare professionals to deliver prevention in ways that are sustainable and effective. By working closely with partners across Ireland and beyond, we aim to embed evidence-based approaches that make a lasting difference in cardiovascular health.”
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Sandra Ganly is an experienced leader in cardiovascular research and health innovation. As CEO of the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC) and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Galway, she brings over 20 years of expertise in advancing evidence-based approaches to the prevention and management of chronic disease.
Sandra has a strong track record in leading cross-sector research programmes, with a focus on translating data and clinical insight into practical, scalable solutions. Her work spans cardiovascular risk-factor research, clinical trials, and medtech innovation, and she has been published in leading international journals.
She played a central role in establishing BioInnovate Ireland, and co-developed Ireland’s first Master’s in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs, initiatives that have shaped the development of health technology talent in Ireland. She continues to mentor spinout teams and early-stage ventures in areas such as stroke, brain injury, women’s health, and digital health.
Since joining NIPC as CEO in 2024, Sandra has brought a clear strategic direction to the organisation’s work, strengthening links between research, education, and system delivery. Her leadership supports NIPC’s aim to embed prevention into routine care through collaboration and practical, evidence-led implementation.
Director of Innovation
Dr Susan Connolly is Director of Innovation at NIPC and Consultant Cardiologist in Integrated Care at University Hospital Galway and the Galway City Hub. She has extensive clinical and research experience in developing innovative models of care for cardiovascular health across both hospital and community settings in both the NHS and HSE. She leads the Institute’s innovation agenda and her work focuses on improving access, quality and outcomes in preventive cardiology, with a strong emphasis on translating evidence into practice and fostering collaboration across health systems to deliver integrated care. She also has a particular interest in harnessing digital technologies to enhance care delivery in these areas. She is currently leading the Peacetime Obesity crossborder programme in Donegal and is bringing her experience in interdisciplinary models of care and digital health to this project.
Head of Clinical Innovation
Dr Irene Gibson is Head of Clinical Innovation at NIPC. She is a CVD Nurse Specialist with more than 20 years of experience across clinical practice, academia and senior management. She leads the development and delivery of clinical innovation and implementation strategies, with a focus on digital health, patient-centred care and reducing inequalities in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation. Irene also contributes to research and education programmes, helping to translate evidence into practice and strengthen NIPC’s impact nationally and internationally.
Head of Support Services
Steph Freaney is Head of Support Services at NIPC. She oversees governance, legal, HR, finance, and compliance, managing the core functions that ensure the organisation operates to the highest standards. With a strong commercial background, she has extensive experience in organisational management and in developing robust systems and processes. Her role is central to strengthening performance, supporting the effective delivery of activities, and guiding the Institute’s future growth.
This work reflects our commitment to innovation that is practical, evidence-based, and aligned with national health policy.
NIPC is lead Republic of Ireland clinical partner on PEACETIME, a €10m project which aims to address the significant negative impact of the disease of obesity on people, healthcare systems and wider society. Led by Ulster University, PEACETIME is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
PEACETIME
NIPC has worked closely with the HSE (the Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease as well as the National Heart Office) to develop the Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide. The writing group was chaired by Dr. Susan Connolly and also included Dr. Irene Gibson and Professor Jennifer Jones. This guide aims to provide clear, practical guidance to healthcare professionals to implement the Model of Care for Integrated Care for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Ireland and help standardise delivery of high quality evidence-based CR across Ireland.
Clinical Action Guide
NIPC is lead Republic of Ireland clinical partner on iMPROVE (Innovation in person-centred Medication Prescribing and Review for Optimal Value and Efficacy), a €10.1m project which will use a personalised medicine approach to making treatments safer and more effective for people who live with ongoing health conditions. Led by Ulster University, PEACETIME is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
iMPROVE
SMARTSHAPE is an EU-funded project driving innovation in cardiovascular care. NIPC supports this initiative, which is focused on advancing new approaches to improve prevention, monitoring, and treatment for people living with hypertension.
SMARTSHAPE
NIPC supports the RESIL-Card project, an EU-funded initiative (under EU4Health) to strengthen cardiovascular care systems’ ability to respond and maintain essential services during crises.
RESIL-Card the Project