Orla Hardiman, Academic Neurologist

Orla is a consultant neurologist in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. She founded the Motor Neuron Disease Clinic in Beaumont, and is Professor of Neurology at Trinity College, Dublin. She leads a large team of scientists who research different aspects of Motor Neurone Disease. Orla is also the Academic Director of Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, where over 500 biological science researchers work together making new and exciting  discoveries that will change how we live. In her career, she knows how difficult it can be for women working in traditionally masculine environments. She believes that any aspect of our society which is heavily biased towards one gender tends to make it difficult for the other. Just as there are traditionally masculine fields, there are many professions that are heavily feminised, like teaching, or nursing, in which it can be just as difficult for young men to find their identity.  On top of all her career achievements, she is a mother to four young adults, two cats and a dog. Her inspiration comes from the patients she sees in her clinics, and conversations with the incredibly bright young people who work with her. Her passions are for life and living. And maybe chocolate.

Photo: Beta Bajgart