Our Team

Head of Project Delivery

Bernie Boyle has over 20 years’ experience working in Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Engineering and Project Finance, in Higher Education/NHS environments. Prior to joining the BRCD team, in her role as Research Development Manager (Strategic Initiatives), she was responsible for stewarding and cultivating relationships with research funding bodies, government and other key organisations, including leading complex and large[1]scale projects (£5m+) managing people, finances and programmes of work.

From 2019 Bernie has been working closely with a range of internal stakeholders across Faculty and Professional Services, and with external R&D partners from both the public and private sectors to shape and define iREACH Health. She is responsible for developing and managing multiple-work streams of activity, managing significant project resources and mitigating major risks and issues with the support of the BRCD Programme Office.

Bernie has been instrumental in initiating and developing the iREACH Health team whilst overseeing the setup and development of the capital co-design programme. As Head of Project Delivery, she will provide the vision and direction to the work package leads as the project moves through delivery phase into full operation. She will shape the development of long-term facility business plans, integration of capital build activities, communications/marketing strategies, identification of R&D priorities and management of partnerships.

NICRF Senior Operations Manager

Roisin joined NI Clinical Research Facility (NICRF) in 2012 and played a key role in the set up and development of NI Clinical Research Facility which officially opened in 2013. Preceding this has 20 years’ experience  in operations management within the Financial Services Industry.

A key focus of her role is the development of detailed requirement plans  for the delivery of clinical research accommodation and systems for iREACH Health. Working  closely with multiple internal and external stakeholders, in the development of systems and  processes to maximise engagement to capture, relevant information to inform decision making. Leading on the engagement between NICRF and other UKCRF’s to continue to work up case for design of the new iREACH Health accommodation as well as new operational  models of working.

Clerical Officer

Fionnuala joined iREACH Health in December 2021 and provides a high-level administrative service to support the work of the team.  Preceding this has over 15 years’ experience in clerical roles in QUB including over 7 years’ experience in Faculty MHLS. 

Change Project Manager

Katherine O’Neill (PhD) provides specialist change project management leadership, delivery and expertise to ensure successful planning,  development and implementation of change activity through the iREACH Health programme phases and specific workstreams. The role will bring multiple cross sector stakeholders from across the NI clinical research ecosystem from a range of sectors (healthcare, education, private industry, public and patients) together, in a shared vision to develop and implement a new operational framework. This role will support engagement and relationship building with industry, academic and public sector stakeholders key to the delivery of the Belfast Region City Deal programme. She holds a PhD in clinical research and a PG. Certificate in Digital  Health. She has 17 years' experience in multidisciplinary clinical research and innovation planning, set-up, delivery and management across Health and Social Care and University  setting, working with a range of stakeholders from pharmaceutical, commercial, government and public sectors.

Project Officer

Kate joins the iREACH Health team as a Project Officer, bringing several years of experience in academic and clinical research. She has a strong background in study setup, onboarding, and managing research projects across diverse settings. Previously, Kate worked as a Research Project Manager, where she utilised her skills in  stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and leadership to successfully manage a large-scale mental health study across England and Wales. In her new role at iREACH Health, Kate’s primary focus will be on delivering strategic change management initiatives, directly supporting the programs mission to expand research across Northern Ireland.

Project Officer

Niall Shields (PhD) serves as a project officer for iREACH,Health providing specialist leadership in project management and facilitating the  planning, development, and execution of initiatives, as well as business development. He has expertise in molecular biology, specializing in recombinant protein production and disease diagnostics. During his time  working in the industry Niall managed complex diagnostic development projects, ensuring effective stakeholder collaboration and financial oversight. Niall brings experience from previous roles in research and innovation across both industry and academic environments.