Accessibility & LanguageDirector of Operations, IHDI
.PNG)
Dr Steven Griffin is the Director of Operations at the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at the University of Galway, where he leads the strategic and operational development of one of Ireland’s emerging centres of excellence in health, biomedical science, and biomedical engineering research. With over 20 years’ experience across biotech, medtech, pharma, healthcare, and academia, Steven brings a strong track record in operational leadership, research management, and innovation ecosystem development.
With the Institute’s Academic Director, Steven drives the implementation of the Institute’s strategic priorities, oversees day‑to‑day operations, and leads the Institute’s operations team in delivering on key institutional metrics and KPIs. His responsibilities span strategic engagement with academic, industry, and government stakeholders; development of Institute governance and support structures; financial and resource management; business development; and fostering effective interfaces between academia, industry, healthcare, and national funders.
Before taking up the role, Steven played a central part in establishing and operationalising the Institute as its Manager, developing core policies, governance structures, research support mechanisms, and communication platforms. His broader career includes senior roles such as Manager of Health Innovation Hub Ireland (Galway), Chief Operations Officer in a pharma start‑up, Scientific Research Associate at the RI Centre for Medical Devices, and a decade in R&D and product development within a multinational biotech company.
Steven has contributed to more than €6 million in national and international research and innovation funding and has led major collaborative initiatives across healthcare, industry, and academia. He holds a PhD in Biotechnology, an MSc in Neuropharmacology, a BSc in Biotechnology, and a Certificate in Business Management.
