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Dr. Claire Donnellan

Adjunct Associate Professor (School of Nursing & Midwifery)
      
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Dr. Claire Donnellan

Adjunct Associate Professor (School of Nursing & Midwifery)

 cdonnel@tcd.ie

 


Professor Claire Donnellan is the Founder and Executive Director of New Generation Ageing, an independent research and innovation enterprise based in Australia, focused on advancing gerontological research and health professions education. A distinguished academic leader with 30+ years' experience in nursing, health psychology, and gerontological research, she combines deep expertise in research leadership and health professions education with entrepreneurial vision for advancing evidence-based innovation in ageing services and care. The founding of New Generation Ageing in 2025 represents Professor Donnellan's commitment to translating decades of research into real-world ageing innovation and practice. This enterprise focuses on research-informed solutions for older adults' health, well-being, and social engagement. In parallel, She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). She continues as a core team member of the Australian Association of Gerontology - Western Australia Executive Team, Australasian Institute of Digital Health, Australian Society for Medical Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association and the Global Observatory of Long-Term Care. She previously served as Facilitator and Teaching Staff on the CHARM-EU Consortium (Challenge-driven, Accessible, Research-based Mobile European University), a €5+ million Erasmus+ funded initiative across nine universities (https://charm-eu.eu/learning/international-mobility-opportunities/student-mobility-opportunities/charm-eu-institutions/), where she led curriculum design and teaching and learning strategy for the Life and Health KCT (2020-2025). Prior to founding New Generation Ageing, Professor Donnellan held leadership positions in academic institutions across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Middle East, and Australia. She served as Professor of Nursing Research at Edith Cowan University, Perth (2023-2025); Director for International Initiatives and Global Relations at Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing and Midwifery (2016-2018); and Programme Subject Lead for Psychology at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain (2013-2016). She has completed formal governance training (GAICD, Australian Institute of Company Directors) and brings strategic experience in institutional development, international partnerships, research-informed curriculum innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership focused on ageing innovation and practice translation. Her scientific interests include examining and understanding the consequences of large and small cerebral vessel disease and neurodegeneration on the behavioural and cognitive health of older adults, with particular emphasis on translating research into practical solutions for aged care and health professions education. Her research programme is characterised by a translational approach, connecting basic neuroscience findings (neuroimaging biomarkers, cognitive assessment) with clinical practice, health systems implementation, and now enterprise innovation. Key research themes include: (1) Cognitive and psychological outcomes in cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration (2) Implementation science and knowledge translation, how research evidence is adopted in healthcare practice (3) Healthy ageing and reablement frameworks for older adults with chronic conditions (4) Gerontology research and health professions education (5) Research-informed innovation in aged care services and models. This work has generated 50+ peer-reviewed publications with significant scholarly impact (4,000+ cumulative citations; > 50% as lead and senior authorship), 20 Million AUD in research funding, demonstrating leadership of interdisciplinary research teams and contributions to international research initiatives (cardiovascular and movement disorders trials, stroke research networks, EU consortia).
  Adjustment Psychology   Ageing, memory and other cognitive processes   Ageing, stroke, dementia   BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENT DESIGN   Clinical research, trials   Health attitudes and behaviour   Health outcomes   Health psychology   Health status and inequalities   MEDICAL-PRACTICE GUIDELINES   Neuropsychology   Psychology of Aging   Psychometrics   Rehabilitation/Therapy, Physical   Sociological influences on health
Project Title
 Casting the Net for What Matters: ALIVE National Consortium for Equitable Wellbeing and Mental Health Systems Transformation
From
March 2025
To
Summary
The ALIVE National Consortium represents a major $10+ million MRFF-funded initiative focused on equitable mental health systems transformation and wellbeing across Australia. As Senior Lead of the Health Inequalities Domain and member of the Consortium Leadership Group, Professor Donnellan leads research and implementation strategy addressing health disparities in mental health service access and outcomes. The consortium brings together multiple research institutions and health services to advance evidence-based, equitable mental health systems.
Funding Agency
MRFF 2024 Million Minds Health Research Mission Mental Health Research Grant, Australian Government
Project Title
 Whose Care is Left Behind? The ALIVE National Consortium for Equitable Wellbeing and Mental Health Systems Transformation
From
January 2024
To
2027
Summary
Foundational phase of the ALIVE Consortium, awarded 4 Million AUD, establishing the research, governance, and implementation framework for the larger 2024+ initiative. As Associate Investigator, Professor Donnellan contributed to consortium design and mental health systems equity research strategy.
Funding Agency
MRFF 2023 Million Minds Health Research Mission Mental Health Research Grant
Project Title
 Third Age Time Capsule on One Health (TATCO-OH): Advancing Integrated Health Systems Research for Aging Populations
From
To
Summary
The TATCO-OH project represents innovative research at the intersection of gerontology, public health, and systems science, applying the "One Health" integrated framework to aging populations. As Co-Investigator Award holder, Professor Donnellan leads research on how systems-level thinking integrating human health, animal health, and environmental health can advance outcomes for older adults. The project addresses increasingly critical intersections of environmental change, pandemic preparedness, zoonotic health threats, and aging populations. Originally prepared for ARC Discovery submission; being strategically refined for 2026 Expression of Interest resubmission. Demonstrates ambitious systems-level thinking in gerontological research aligned with 21st-century health priorities.
Funding Agency
Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Program
Programme
2026 (EOI resubmission)
Project Title
 Mind Your Heart, Mind Your Head, Make It Happen (MIH): Mental Health and Cardiovascular Health Integration in Primary Care
From
To
Summary
ECU PhD Scholarship Award project investigating integrated mental health and cardiovascular health approaches in primary care settings. As Principal Supervisor and Co-Investigator Award holder, Professor Donnellan leads the research supervision and implementation strategy for this health systems innovation research. Focuses on practical translation of mental health intervention models into routine primary care practice in Western Australia. Collaborating Institutions: Edith Cowan University Primary care practices in Western Australia Research Focus: Integration of mental health and physical health in primary care Health systems implementation research Practice translation and sustainability
Funding Agency
ECU PhD Scholarship Award 2024
Project Title
 Transformation of Online Mental Health Services (TOMHS) for Use in Community Health Settings in Western Australia
From
To
Summary
ECU PhD Scholarship Award project examining the transformation and adaptation of online mental health services for community health settings. As Principal Supervisor and Co-Investigator Award holder, Professor Donnellan provides research leadership for this health services innovation research. Focuses on digital health solutions, accessibility, and equitable access to mental health services in Western Australia community settings.
Funding Agency
ECU PhD Scholarship Award 2024

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Details Date
Reviewer and Member of Evaluation Panel for Quality and Qualifications Ireland October 2021 - Present
Editorial Board for Clinical Nursing Studies 2013
Topic editor for journal Brain Sciences January
TCD representative on Higher Education Institution Committee for the National Clinical Programme for Older People, Advanced Nursing Practice Older Persons, Clinical Guidance Framework 2017
Reviewer for International Journal of Nursing Studies 2018
Guest Editorial for Journal of Aging Life Care. 2014
Reviewer for 21st IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2017
Reviewer for Stroke Association, UK. 2016
Reviewer for Biomed Central - Health Services Research 2013
Reviewer for International Journal of Stroke 2012
Reviewer for Disability and Rehabilitation journal 2009
Reviewer for International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders Ongoing
Reviewer for Cogent Medicine. ongoing
Reviewer for Dove Press - Patient Preference and Adherence. ongoing
Reviewer for Biomed Central - Palliative Care. ongoing
Reviewer for Ageing and Mental Health. ongoing
Reviewer for Population Ageing. ongoing
Reviewer for Annals of Nursing and Practice. ongoing
Reviewer for Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ongoing
Reviewer for International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. ongoing
Reviewer for The European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing 2013
Reviewer for the Irish Gerontological Society as the Psychology Representative 2011
Language Skill Reading Skill Writing Skill Speaking
English Fluent Fluent Fluent
French Basic Basic Basic
German Basic Basic Basic
Irish Basic Basic Basic
Details Date From Date To
Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland 2009 ongoing
Chartered Health Psychologist with Psychological Society of Ireland 2015 ongoing
Irish Gerontological Society 2005 ongoing
European Health Psychology Society 2005 ongoing
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland 1994 Ongoing
Trinity Consortium on Ageing 2009 2013
World Federation for NeuroRehabilitation - Membership and SIG for neuropsychology 2012
International Federation of Ageing 2016 ongoing
World Stroke Organisation 2014 ongoing
European Stroke Organisation 2014 ongoing
C Donnellan, Formal Assessment Tools Used by Nurses for Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Global Perspective., Australian Association of Gerontology, Western Australia Chapter Seminar Local Voices in Ageing 29th August 2025, 29th August, 2025, Australian Association of Gerontology, Western Australia Committee, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Donnellan C, Formal assessment of behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) of dementia. A systematic review., Conference Proceedings, 57th Australian Association of Gerontology Conference: Fresh air, fresh thinking, Hobart, Tasmania, 12th-15th Nov, 2024, Conference Paper, PRESENTED
Donnellan C, Association of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and other biomarkers with cognitive impairment post-stroke: A review of the literature., Conference Proceedings, 57th Australian Association of Gerontology Conference: Fresh air, fresh thinking, Hobart, Tasmania, 12th-15th Nov, 2024, Conference Paper, PRESENTED
Donnellan C, Promoting the concept healthy ageing into health professionals everyday clinical practice., 57th Australian Association of Gerontology Conference: Fresh air, fresh thinking, Hobart, Tasmania, 12th-15th Nov, 2024, Conference Paper, PRESENTED
Donnellan C, The broad scope and diversity of nursing, Sigma Theta Tau Western Australia Chapter, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, 22nd May, 2024, Invited Talk, PUBLISHED
Donnellan C, Sustainable health research priorities, ECU Nursing and Midwifery Annual Awards Ceremony, Fraser Suites, Perth, Western Australia, 22nd Feb, 2024, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Donnellan, C., Promoting the Concept Healthy Ageing for Use in Gerontological Health and Social Care Policy and Practice, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2024, Journal Article, PUBLISHED
Donnellan, C., Impact and effectiveness of leadership and management in academic health sciences, BMJ Leader, 8, (2), 2024, p153-158 , Journal Article, PUBLISHED
Claire Donnellan, Deepthi Chakkittakandy, Christina Lydon, Conceptual Considerations for Understanding Resilience in Healthcare Students, Nursing Open, 11, (10), 2024, Journal Article, PUBLISHED
Artiles C E., Donnellan C., Regan J, Mooney M., Dysphagia Screening in Residential Long"Term Care Settings in the Republic of Ireland: A Cross"Sectional Survey, Dysphagia, 40, 2024, p614 - 625, p1-12 , Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text
  

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Donnellan C, Healthy Ageing, Road Map to Health for TV series The Couch, Episode 757. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W0d6HNXBXo&t=2019s, 2024, -, Miscellaneous, PUBLISHED
Donnellan C , Approaches to healthy ageing, University Brunei Darussalam , 5th December, 2018, University Brunei Darussalam , Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Emer McGowan, Clinician's Commentary on Desveaux et al., Physiotherapy Canada, 68, (1), 2016, p59 - 60, Journal Article, PUBLISHED
Donnellan C, Use of lifespan and other models for stroke rehabilitation, Lunchtime seminar, Rehabilitation Science, Auckland University of Technology, 21st April , 2012, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Donnellan, C, Cognition and Mood Post Stroke, Stroke Study Day , St James's Hospital, 18th February , 2011, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Donnellan, C, Mapping the research route in examining psychological adaptation following stroke, 8th Annual Age-Related Nursing Conference, Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Dublin, September, 2006, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Donnellan, C, Stroke: A Multidisciplinary Dimension, 6th Annual Age-Related Nursing Conference, Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Dublin, September , 2004, Invited Talk, PRESENTED

  


Award Date
The Noel Hickey Bursary Award, Irish Heart Foundation 2010
Oral platform prize at 10th Annual Stroke Conference, Irish Heart Foundation Council on Stroke May 2007
Poster prize at 8th Annual Stroke Conference, Irish Heart Foundation Council on Stroke May 2005
Highly commended poster at 54th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Irish Gerontological Society September 2006
My research credentials and portfolio focus on advancing the health and wellbeing of older populations through integrated research spanning molecular, clinical, behavioural, and systemic dimensions of ageing. Foundational work examining cognitive and behavioural health following stroke and neurodegeneration has evolved to encompass broader aging challenges, including mental health systems transformation, health technology innovation, and climate-related health equity. My research themes encompass: (1) cognitive and psychological outcomes in cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration; (2) mental health systems transformation and health equity in aged care; (3) artificial intelligence and health technology innovation in geriatric care; (4) implementation science and knowledge translation in health systems; and (5) gerontological nursing workforce development and ageing services innovation. The vision directing my research is to continuously advocate for genuinely interdisciplinary approaches integrating molecular and clinical sciences, health psychology, implementation science, nursing expertise, social sciences, and community partnership. This systems-level perspective recognizes that contemporary aging challenges require research that bridges traditional disciplinary and sectoral boundaries. I have developed methodological expertise across quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches; psychometric development and advanced statistical analysis; and implementation science frameworks. Through New Generation Ageing, I actively translate gerontological research into practice innovation with aged care services. In advancing my research agenda, I continue building established themes while engaging emerging priorities addressing global population aging"the most significant socio-demographic change of this century. This work aligns with TCD's CORE mission and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Health and Wellbeing), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).