St John of God Research Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Isabella Bray as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Isabella brings more than 20 years of experience across the research sector, with a career spanning academic research, research funding, infrastructure development, governance, and strategic leadership. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for SJOG Research as it continues to strengthen its research capacity, expand partnerships, and support research that delivers meaningful impact for people and communities.
A passionate advocate for collaboration and research excellence, Isabella is committed to creating the conditions in which research can thrive. She believes that impactful research is built on strong partnerships between people with lived experience, researchers, clinicians, service providers, and funders. As CEO, she will focus on developing the Foundation’s research capabilities and supporting innovative, high-quality research that can improve lives and inform better care and services.
Isabella began her career in academic research at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, where she worked in cancer research following the completion of her PhD. She later moved into research funding and management, joining the Irish Cancer Society as Research Manager. There, she oversaw the Society’s research portfolio and worked closely with researchers, funding bodies, and external partners to support the delivery of its research strategy.
She subsequently joined the National Children’s Research Centre as Senior Manager of Research & Operations, where she developed funding programmes, strengthened research governance and infrastructure, and fostered partnerships across the healthcare and research sectors. During this period, she also played a key role in supporting the Centre’s transition into Children’s Health Ireland.
Most recently, Isabella served as Head of Translational Research at Children’s Health Ireland, leading the strategic and operational delivery of research infrastructure and funding supports. Working across clinical and academic environments, she focused on strengthening research capacity, enabling collaboration, and ensuring that research could translate into real-world benefits for patients and families.
Reflecting on her experience, Isabella emphasises the importance of partnership, collaboration, and impact. She brings this perspective to the St John of God Research Foundation, together with a strong commitment to ensuring that the Foundation remains responsive to the needs and priorities of those it serves.
SJOG Research looks forward to Isabella’s leadership as it continues to advance research and innovation across the St John of God family, building knowledge, improving practice, and contributing to better outcomes for the people and communities supported by our services.