The ARC Hub for Therapeutics was honoured to welcome European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, to the Hub on April 22nd, 2026.
The visit brought together key stakeholders from the European Commission, Government of Ireland, ERDF, Southern Regional Assembly, Research Ireland, University College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and the ARC Hub for Therapeutics team. It reflected a shared commitment to strengthening Europe’s innovation ecosystem and accelerating the translation of research into societal and economic impact. The ARC Hub for Therapeutics is designated as an Operation of Strategic Importance by the European Commission, recognised as an emblematic project of the EU’s Cohesion Policy with a strong contribution to its objectives.
Hosted at Trinity College Dublin, the discussion highlighted how collaborative investment and strategic programmes such as ARC are supporting the development of next-generation therapeutics, driving growth and development across Ireland and Europe.
The programme opened with an introduction by Professor Vincent Kelly (TCD), Academic Director, followed by remarks from Raffaele Fitto, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms. Professor Sinead Ryan, Dean of Research at TCD, delivered the institutional welcome. Professor Leonie Young (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI), ARC Hub Academic Lead, presented an overview and updates on the Hub, followed by insights on the ARC model from an industry and investor perspective by Mr Matt Moran, Chair of the Governance Committee. Research projects were presented by Professor Roger Preston (RCSI) and Professor Matt Campbell (TCD). The session concluded with a Q&A and informal engagement with the Hub team.
The visit reinforced a shared ambition to further strengthen the therapeutic R&D ecosystem, enabling entrepreneurial researchers to translate scientific breakthroughs into therapies that address key challenges across Ireland and Europe, ultimately benefiting patients and society. Cohesion Policy supports innovation, the energy transition, improved transport and energy networks, a more social Europe, and sustainable urban development. Its aim is to ensure that no person or region is left behind on the path towards a stronger Europe. Representing approximately one third of the EU budget, Cohesion Policy is the EU’s main investment policy.
The ARC Hub for Therapeutics looks forward to continuing its partnership with the European Commission to help drive innovation in Ireland and support a mindset shift in the therapeutics sector.
Photos: Paul Sharp
