Professor Mary Horgan

UCD Alumni Award in Health and Agricultural Sciences

A world-renowned expert in infectious disease, Professor Mary Horgan is the President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland — the first female in this role since its establishment in 1654. She is a consultant in infectious diseases at Cork University Hospital.

Originally from Kerry, Professor Horgan graduated from UCD in 1986. She was awarded her MD in 1995, MRCPI in 1988 and FRCPI in 1997. During her career, Mary has become a national and international leader in medical education and training, in infectious disease and public health and has spearheaded education and scientific education in Ireland. Mary’s work to date in this field has been instrumental in reversing the downward trend in uptake of HPV vaccination from 50% to 71% in one year.

Previously Dean of the Medical School in UCC in 2013 for a 4-year term, Mary has become a role model for a generation of medical graduates and trainees. Mary also serves as President of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland, on the boards of the Health Products Regulatory Authority and the Mercy University Hospital and the Governing Body of University College Cork.