Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is a health sciences-focused university and professional institution based in Dublin. Founded in 1784 as Ireland’s national training body for surgery, it has developed into an international university while continuing its role in professional surgical training in Ireland. RCSI describes its mission as “to educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health,” and frames its work around education, research and service. Its education activity serves students and healthcare professionals across a range of healthcare disciplines. Alongside its university programmes, RCSI provides surgical training and develops training programmes in response to new technologies and changing patient needs. The institution also conducts research focused on health and patient outcomes. Its public-facing work includes initiatives intended to connect science, expertise and society, such as Humanarium, an exhibition and events space described on its website as being at 118 St Stephen’s Green. RCSI is based in Dublin and has an international reach through its students, graduates, research and engagement. The university reports an alumni network of more than 35,000 graduates worldwide. Its stated priorities include improving health and societal well-being in Ireland and internationally, and supporting access to safe surgical care through the RCSI Institute of Global Surgery, including work in Africa. RCSI is governed by a Council comprising surgeons who are Fellows of the College. Its Senior Management Team is led by Professor Cathal Kelly, identified by the institution as an RCSI graduate and Fellow. RCSI is a registered charity in Ireland. Its 2023–2027 strategy, “Innovating for a Healthier Future,” sets out a focus on health and societal impact, collaboration, sustainability and the institution’s contribution to human health.

RCSI was founded in 1784 as Ireland’s national training body for surgery. Its origins are therefore in professional surgical education, a role it continues to maintain alongside its later development as a university. The institution says it has been at the forefront of healthcare education and research since its founding and describes its enduring responsibility as enhancing human health through education, research and service. Over time, RCSI broadened its remit beyond surgical training to become an international, health sciences-focused university. Its current community includes students, educators, clinicians, researchers and policy leaders across healthcare disciplines. The university’s work combines healthcare education with research and professional training, and it states that its programmes evolve in response to new technologies and changing patient needs. Its alumni network extends internationally; RCSI reports more than 35,000 graduates worldwide. The institution’s contemporary strategy is expressed in its 2023–2027 plan, “Innovating for a Healthier Future.” RCSI presents the plan as a roadmap for expanding its contribution to health and societal well-being in Ireland and around the world. Its stated areas of work include sustainability, engagement with Irish communities and research-driven responses to global health needs. The RCSI Institute of Global Surgery is described as central to efforts to improve access to safe surgical care, including work in Africa. RCSI also describes a role in bringing health science to the wider public. Humanarium, announced as an initiative at 118 St Stephen’s Green, is intended to host free exhibitions and events about health sciences and medical research. The institution is governed by a Council made up of surgeons who are Fellows of the College. Its Senior Management Team is led by Professor Cathal Kelly, whom RCSI identifies as a graduate and Fellow. RCSI is a registered charity in Ireland and continues to present its mission as educating, nurturing and discovering for the benefit of human health.

• 2026

  Humanarium announced as a public exhibition and events initiative at 118 St Stephen’s Green

• 2023

  Launch period of the RCSI 2023–2027 strategy, “Innovating for a Healthier Future”

• 1784

  Founded as Ireland’s national training body for surgery

An international, health sciences-focused university that combines healthcare education and research with professional responsibility for surgical training in Ireland and a stated mission to improve human health.

• Healthcare education

  University education across healthcare disciplines.

• Surgical training

  Professional surgical training in Ireland.

• Health sciences research

  Research focused on health and patient outcomes.

• Humanarium

  A public exhibition space and café intended to host free exhibitions and events exploring health sciences and medical research.

• Set a 2023–2027 strategic focus on health and societal impactOther

1. 1RCSI – Homepage - RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciencesrcsi.com
2. 2About RCSI - RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciencesrcsi.com
3. 3Alumni - RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciencesrcsi.com
4. 4Innovating for a Healthier Future – RCSI Strategy 2023-2027 - RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciencesrcsi.com