AIPEC is led by Dr Paul McCague at Queen’s University Belfast, in collaboration with a Steering Group from institutions across the island of Ireland, including the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, Ulster University, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway, and the University of Limerick. The initiative brings together healthcare students from diverse disciplines to collaboratively tackle real-world care challenges in a way that mirrors professional healthcare practice. Participating students from Queen’s include those studying pharmacy, nursing, medicine, dentistry, and social work.

This dual recognition at the recent ceremony highlights the project's exceptional impact on healthcare education and its innovative approach to fostering collaboration across institutional and disciplinary boundaries.

AIPEC 2024 was hosted at Queen’s University Belfast and was made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors: Kyron Media, the School of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences SWAN Fund, and the Faculty Public Engagement Fund.

Reflecting on receiving these awards, Dr McCague commented: 

“To see AIPEC 2024 recognised as Best Collaboration Project is a fantastic honour, and receiving the Overall Excellence Award, from over 160 applications, was an unexpected but very welcome surprise. This recognition reflects the dedication and shared vision of the entire Steering Group, the eight partner institutions, and the staff, students, and patients who contributed so meaningfully to the event. It has been a privilege to lead AIPEC 2024, a genuinely collaborative initiative that places students and interprofessional learning at its heart.”

Professor Gavin Andrews, Head of the School of Pharmacy at Queen's, commented on the significance of this recognition: 

“We are immensely proud of Paul and the AIPEC 2024 team's achievements at the Irish Education Awards. Paul's leadership has been instrumental in advancing healthcare education through collaboration and real-world problem-solving. This recognition highlights the dedication of our students and staff, showcasing the power of interprofessional teamwork in shaping the future of healthcare.”

More information about AIPEC2024 is available via the competition's website.

Media

For media enquiries, please contact Grace White at Queen’s Communications Office via email.