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• genetics, genomics and molecular biology
• physiology and non-communicable disease
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• epidemiology/population health research
• one health
• global health/inclusion health
• preventive medicine/behavioural change interventions
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Rare Diseases

• Paediatrics
• Public Health
• Nursing
• Midwifery

Child Helath

Professor Somanadhan’s research group advances the health and well-being of children and families affected by rare diseases through interdisciplinary, co-designed research. Based at the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, the team integrates clinical expertise, patient and public involvement (PPI), and health systems research to strengthen care delivery and outcomes.

Current research focuses on patient experience and outcome measures in rare diseases; transition pathways from paediatric to adult services; the socioeconomic impact of rare conditions; recognition and reporting of child safeguarding concerns; and distraction-based interventions in paediatric healthcare settings. The group also employs creative and participatory methodologies to amplify the voices of children and young people in service design, and develops educational programmes and knowledge translation tools to support practice and policy change.

Major initiatives include the HRB-funded COVISION project, the Rare Disease Research Partnership (RAinDRoP), the All-Ireland Rare Diseases Interdisciplinary Network (RAiN), and the Temple Street Foundation-funded SAMPI project. The team collaborates nationally and internationally, including with the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDRA) and the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Rare Diseases Care and Wellbeing.

Recent publications include Somanadhan et al. (2025, Journal of Pediatric Nursing) on supportive care needs of parents of children with rare diseases, and Buckle et al. (2024, Healthcare) on the economic impacts of paediatric rare diseases.

Applications are sought from highly motivated candidates interested in interdisciplinary, impact-driven research in paediatric rare diseases. Potential PhD projects include the following:

1. Data Sharing, Integrated Care Models, and Patient Outcomes in Rare Diseases
This project will examine the influence of data governance and integrated care models on patient outcomes for children and young people living with rare diseases in Ireland. The research will investigate care coordination across primary, community, tertiary, and specialist services, and assess associations between integrated systems and patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life, service satisfaction, and continuity of care.

2. Psychosocial Impact of Living with a Rare Disease or Non-communicable Chronic Diseases
This study will investigate physical functioning, mental health, social participation, and quality of life among children and young people. Particular attention will be given to the impact of diagnosis and key developmental stages. Findings will inform psychosocial support strategies and service planning.

3. Family Experience and Life-Course Transitions
Using qualitative or mixed-methods approaches, this project will explore the lived experiences of parents, siblings, and extended family members. Areas of focus may include caregiving burden, socioeconomic impact, resilience, and transitions from paediatric to adult services.

4. Co-Designing Services and Research with Young People
This participatory project will engage children, families, clinicians, and policymakers in collaborative service design, information development, and dissemination strategies to strengthen care pathways.

These projects are embedded in robust national and European rare disease networks, offering interdisciplinary oversight and the potential for significant policy impact.

Professor Cormac McCarthy
Professor Amy Jayne McKnight