Editorial Staff , 2025-06-20 07:30:00
Prof Orla Hardiman honoured with lifetime achievement award at event held by Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
Taoiseach Micheál Martin was on hand to present a lifetime achievement award to one of the country’s leading motor neuron disease (MND) clinicians and researchers.
Prof Orla Hardiman was given the honour at a special ceremony hosted by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) which marked MND Global Awareness Day.
The event this week also celebrated 40 years of the organisation’s work supporting people living with MND in Ireland.
“The work of Professor Orla Hardiman has transformed the lives of countless individuals and families affected by MND, not only here in Ireland, but globally,” said Mr Martin.
“Her dedication, compassion, and leadership embody the very best of Irish medical research and care. I am honoured to present her with this Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the IMNDA.”
In addition to Professor Hardiman’s recognition, the IMNDA presented its annual Appreciation Awards to several individuals who have made significant contributions through fundraising, advocacy, care and research, strengthening the work of the organisation.
To commemorate the charity’s fortieth anniversary, attendees at the event were given an exclusive first viewing of a specially commissioned video project documenting the IMNDA’s four-decade journey, reflecting on the progress made and the many lives touched by its work.
“While we honour 40 years of dedicated service, we are also focused on what lies ahead,” said IMNDA CEO Kevin Burn.
“Today, we are proud to announce a new partnership with ElevenLabs, which will transform the way we offer voice-banking support to our clients.
“Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, individuals with MND will have access to a much simpler, more accessible way to preserve their voices, allowing them to communicate with their loved ones more easily as their physical voice declines.”
The ElevenLabs collaboration will build on international advances in voice-banking technology offering IMNDA clients a more streamlined and user-friendly option.
The event also featured updates from expert speakers on the latest developments in MND research, care, and advocacy, reflecting the IMNDA’s ongoing commitment to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone living with MND.
