Catherine Godson BSc. PhD is Professor of Molecular Medicine at University College Dublin and Director of UCD Diabetes Research Centre.  Following postdoctoral fellowships in Geneva and at UC San Diego she joined the faculty of Harvard University. She moved to UCD in 1997. Professor Godson is internationally renowned for her research on inflammation and diabetes. She leads a group of investigators focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation, progression and potential regression of diabetic kidney disease. This programme is involves major collaboration with the investigators in the biopharma industry. Professor Godson’s research is supported by grants from Science Foundation Ireland, The Wellcome Trust, The Health Research Board and The European Union She has authored or co-authored over 100 research papers, review articles, patents and book chapters. She is a board member of the Health Research Board, a member of the Wellcome Trust’s Physiological Sciences Committee and has recently completed a term as Vice President, Innovation and Corporate Partnerships at University College Dublin.