February Student awarded Novo Nordisk Ireland scholarship for research in diabetes

University of Galway, in partnership with the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, has announced the Novo Nordisk Ireland Scholarship recipient.

 Originally from India, Dr Beenu Maria Joseph, a pharmacist with advanced training in public health, was selected in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, strong commitment to patient-centred research, extensive community volunteering, and ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes in diabetes and chronic disease.

 The award will support Dr Joseph’s completion of a Master of Science in Clinical Research this year and enable her to conduct research while strengthening her role within the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network and the broader diabetes community.

The Novo Nordisk Ireland Scholarship, supported by the Galway University Foundation, provides full financial support for a student completing their chosen Master of Science in either Clinical Research, Applied Clinical Data Analytics, or Evidence-Based Future Healthcare.

            Dr Beenu Maria Joseph said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Novo Nordisk Scholarship, which represents a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey. This award provides an exceptional opportunity to further develop my expertise in both clinical and academic research. With a background in pharmacy and formal training in public health, I am committed to building a career that bridges clinical practice, research, and population health. I aim to pursue work where evidence-based research informs practice and policy, contributing to long-term improvements in healthcare systems. My volunteering experiences have been central to shaping this motivation, reinforcing my dedication to patient engagement and the delivery of compassionate, evidence-based care.”

            Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network and the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “We are delighted to acknowledge Dr Beenu Maria Joseph as the recipient of this scholarship and to commend the impressive achievements she has made to date. Her passion for research, strong academic record and commitment to improving patient care exemplify the purpose of this award. We are deeply appreciative of Novo Nordisk Ireland for their generous support, which allows us to invest in the next generation of researchers whose work will shape the future of diabetes care in Ireland and beyond. Their partnership is instrumental in advancing education, research and patient outcomes.”

          Dr Jennifer Day, Clinical Research Manager, Novo Nordisk, said: “We are delighted to be working with University of Galway to award Dr Beenu Maria Joseph the Novo Nordisk Ireland scholarship for her research work on diabetes. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic diseases. We are committed to fostering pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk has a 100-year history as leaders within the therapeutic area of diabetes, using our innovations to find solutions for patients with the chronic disease.”

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