The Irish Endocrine Society (IES) and HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network (DCCTN) are delighted to introduce Ríona Byrne and Ann Robinson, recipients of the 2026 Summer Studentships awarded through the IES–DCCTN partnership.
Their projects explored important questions in diabetes research, from outcomes in gestational diabetes to the benefits of glucose monitoring technology for people living with type 1 diabetes.
Ríona Byrne: Understanding the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring
Ríona Byrne, from Wexford, completed her summer research project under the supervision of Dr Antoinette Tuthill.
Her research examines how the timing of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) introduction and competency in diabetes management influence the benefits experienced by people with type 1 diabetes. The project also explores whether these factors may contribute to diabetes distress.
Ríona was drawn to medicine by the human side of the profession: listening to each patient’s story, offering support and helping improve their health and quality of life.
Her fascination with how hormones regulate human physiology led her to explore endocrinology through research. She chose to focus on type 1 diabetes because of its profound impact on people’s lives.
Ríona is keen to challenge misconceptions about the condition. She emphasises that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is not caused by lifestyle choices—an important distinction in reducing stigma.
Outside her studies and research, Ríona enjoys swimming and Pilates. Over the next five years, she hopes to qualify as a doctor and continue developing her career.
Ann Robinson: Exploring differences in gestational diabetes outcomes
Ann Robinson, from Surrey, England, has received an IES–DCCTN studentship for a second consecutive year. Under the supervision of Dr Christine Newman, she undertook a post-hoc analysis of the Early Metformin in Gestational Diabetes (EMERGE) clinical trial.
Her project investigates whether maternal and neonatal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes differ across ethnic groups. The findings could help inform more personalised care for mothers and babies.
Ann chose medicine because it combines scientific problem-solving with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Alongside her interest in the mechanisms of disease, she values building relationships with patients and supporting them through challenging times.
Her previous IES–DCCTN placement strengthened her research skills and opened opportunities to present at conferences and expand her academic network. That experience, together with the supportive and collaborative environment, encouraged her to return.
Ann also hopes to promote a broader understanding of diabetes, recognising the daily decisions involved in managing the condition and the many factors that influence a person’s health and access to care.
Outside medicine, she enjoys running and hiking. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue specialty training while remaining actively involved in research that can improve patient care.
Celebrating our summer students
We congratulate Ann and Ríona on their 2026 studentships and wish them every success with their research and future medical careers. We look forward to seeing how their work contributes to our understanding of diabetes and the care of people living with the condition.