Belfast professor appointed Northern Ireland’s new Chief Scientific Adviser

A leading Belfast medical researcher has been appointed Northern Ireland’s new Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Health.

Professor Danny McAuley, who holds senior positions at Queen’s University Belfast and the Royal Victoria Hospital, has been appointed to provide scientific leadership and advice across the health and social care sector.

Health Minister Robbie Butler welcomed the appointment on Friday 16 October 2026.

Scientific leadership for Northern Ireland healthcare

As Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor McAuley will help ensure that scientific evidence informs healthcare policy and decisions affecting patients throughout Northern Ireland.

His responsibilities will include supporting research into health, disease, diagnosis, treatment and patient care.

Professor McAuley is Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast.

He is also a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Health Minister welcomes appointment

Health Minister Robbie Butler welcomed the appointment, highlighting Professor McAuley’s extensive experience in healthcare and medical research.

The Minister said his scientific knowledge and expertise would be valuable in developing policies designed to improve health and wellbeing.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening Northern Ireland’s reputation for medical research and clinical trials.

Focus on research and clinical trials

Professor McAuley will also serve as Director of the Health and Social Care Research and Development Division.

The Department of Health said it wants to encourage leading medical research and establish Northern Ireland as an attractive location for clinical trials.

The appointment is expected to strengthen links between scientific research, healthcare policy and clinical practice.

Professor McAuley’s existing roles at Queen’s University Belfast and the Royal Victoria Hospital provide a direct connection between academic research and frontline patient care.

External link: Department of Health — Official appointment announcement

Other news: Northern Ireland Mental Health Plan 2026