“Guidelines summarise the scientific evidence on how to prevent cardiovascular disease – secondary, primary and primordial prevention – but the challenge is implementation of that evidence in real world practice as shown by the INTERASPIRE/EUROASPIRE programmes led by NIPC. Implementation research addresses this by using systematic methodologies to understand the barriers and solutions to delivering effective and cost effective preventive care and we have developed a preventive digital intervention for patients called INTERCEPT which is presently being evaluated. Evidence from this evaluation will be used to inform implementation of this model of preventive care in everyday practice.”
Director of Science, Strategy and Implementation
Professor David Wood is Director of Science, Strategy and International Relations at NIPC. An internationally recognised leader in preventive cardiology, he has shaped global policy and practice through major research programmes and senior roles in leading professional societies. At NIPC he provides strategic direction on international collaborations, corporate partnerships and implementation initiatives, working with the CEO and senior team to advance research and education. His leadership continues to influence cardiovascular prevention worldwide.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Sandra Ganly is an experienced leader in cardiovascular research and health innovation. As CEO of the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC) and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Galway, she brings over 20 years of expertise in advancing evidence-based approaches to the prevention and management of chronic disease.
Sandra has a strong track record in leading cross-sector research programmes, with a focus on translating data and clinical insight into practical, scalable solutions. Her work spans cardiovascular risk-factor research, clinical trials, and medtech innovation, and she has been published in leading international journals.
She played a central role in establishing BioInnovate Ireland, and co-developed Ireland’s first Master’s in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs, initiatives that have shaped the development of health technology talent in Ireland. She continues to mentor spinout teams and early-stage ventures in areas such as stroke, brain injury, women’s health, and digital health.
Since joining NIPC as CEO in 2024, Sandra has brought a clear strategic direction to the organisation’s work, strengthening links between research, education, and system delivery. Her leadership supports NIPC’s aim to embed prevention into routine care through collaboration and practical, evidence-led implementation.
Head of Implementation, Science & Strategy
Professor Kornelia Kotseva, MD, PhD, FESC holds an honorary academic appointment at the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health, University of Galway, and a position as a Consultant Cardiologist at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK. Prior to this she held academic appointments at the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, the Medical Universities in Sofia and Varna, Bulgaria and Visiting Professor at the Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Belgium.
Prof. Kotseva has been involved at a senior level on several International, European and UK studies: INTERASPIRE, EUROASPIRE, ASPIRE-2-PREVENT, ASPIRE-3-PREVENT surveys, EUROACTION and EUROACTION PLUS randomised controlled trials, the productivity losses and indirect costs after cardiovascular events in Europe study, the Heart QoL project and other studies. She was an expert panel member of the World Heart Federation Roadmap programme of the prevention of cardiovascular disease among people with diabetes, the Euro Heart Index and the EU funded EConDA project on cost-effectiveness for chronic diseases.
Prof. Kotseva has won numerous prestigious awards and authored more than 250 publications in peer reviewed journals, two textbooks and chapters for a further eight textbooks. She serves as Editorial Board member of the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology and American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs.
Prof. Kotseva established numerous preventive cardiology masters programs and her main research and clinical interest is primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Head of Nursing and Interdisciplinary Relations
Professor Catriona Jennings is Head of Nursing and Interdisciplinary Relations at NIPC. She leads nursing and allied health contributions across research and education, ensuring high standards in study design, data collection and training. Her role involves coordinating research nurses, supporting clinical sites, and contributing to publications and international presentations. With a background in cardiac nursing and rehabilitation, she brings strong leadership and academic expertise to developing multidisciplinary practice and advancing preventive cardiology.
Head of Clinical Innovation
Dr Irene Gibson is Head of Clinical Innovation at NIPC. She is a CVD Nurse Specialist with more than 20 years of experience across clinical practice, academia and senior management. She leads the development and delivery of clinical innovation and implementation strategies, with a focus on digital health, patient-centred care and reducing inequalities in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation. Irene also contributes to research and education programmes, helping to translate evidence into practice and strengthen NIPC’s impact nationally and internationally.
INTERCEPT is a digital intervention designed to support patients in managing their cardiovascular risk after a cardiac event. It helps motivate healthy lifestyle changes and improve the management of risk factors. It also encourages adherence to medications. The intervention is person-centred and developed with input from healthcare professionals and patients to ensure it meets real-world needs. Sponsorship was provided by SOLVE-CHD and unrestricted grants from Novartis and NovoNordisk.
NIPC is working closely with the HSE as part of the National Heart Programme’s Clinical Advisory Group to develop the Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide. This guide aims to provide clear, evidence-based advice to healthcare professionals to improve cardiac rehabilitation services across Ireland. It supports consistent and accessible care by addressing barriers and promoting best practices in rehabilitation delivery.
NIPC is playing a key role in helping shape the World Heart Federation’s Roadmap for Cardiac Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Disease. Led by Professor Julie Redfern along with Professor Sidney Smith and co-authored by Prof David Wood and Dr Irene Gibson, this collaboration on the global framework guides countries in overcoming barriers to effective cardiac rehabilitation by focusing on health literacy, digital health, workforce training and system-level change. The roadmap aligns with NIPC’s priorities and informs our work in advancing policy, utilising digital tools, improving patient education and supporting health healthcare professionals to delivery high quality cardiac rehabilitation in Ireland and beyond.