Milan, Italy— 28 April — Professor Noel Gerard McElvaney, Professor of Medicine and Head of the Department of Medicine and Respiratory Research Division at Beaumont Hospital and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been named the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Joachim Hilfenhaus Award. Professor McElvaney received the award from the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) at the International Plasma Protein Congress (IPPC) in Milan this week.
The Joachim Hilfenhaus Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of novel plasma protein research, particularly in advancing understanding and treatment of plasma protein deficiencies. Professor McElvaney is being honored for his pioneering work in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), cystic fibrosis, and lung inflammation, as well as his leadership in translating scientific discovery into clinical impact.
A global leader in respiratory medicine, Professor McElvaney founded the Alpha One Foundation of Ireland in 2003 and established the National Alpha One Research Unit. He also initiated Europe’s first national targeted detection program and registry for individuals with AATD, significantly improving diagnosis and patient care for this genetic condition associated with lung, liver, and skin disease.
Professor McElvaney heads the Irish Centre for Genetic Lung Disease and works closely with the Alpha-1 Foundation (USA) and the European Alpha-1 Research Collaboration (EARCO), contributing to international strategy and research direction.
With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Professor McElvaney has built a strong track record in translational research. His work has led to major advancements in understanding lung defense mechanisms and has influenced clinical guidelines at national, European, and World Health Organization levels.
Under his leadership, the Respiratory Research Division at Beaumont Hospital has secured significant national and international funding and has become a hub for innovation in respiratory science. His team has led landmark clinical and translational studies, including the first worldwide intravenous administration of transgenic Alpha-1 Antitrypsin therapy in 1999 and a first-in-human therapy designed to block abnormal mucin production in the bronchial epithelium. He has been Principal Investigator on many groundbreaking therapeutic and mechanistic studies in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and cystic fibrosis.
“Professor McElvaney’s work exemplifies the spirit of the Joachim Hilfenhaus Award,” said Marilena Vrana, Vice President of Public Affairs and EU Operations at PPTA. “His dedication to improving patient outcomes through scientific excellence and international collaboration has had a profound and lasting impact on the plasma field.”
In accepting the award at IPPC 2026, Professor McElvaney expressed his gratitude to colleagues, collaborators, and patients who have contributed to the progress in AATD and respiratory research.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” he said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of an exceptional team committed to advancing research and improving the lives of patients with respiratory disease.”
About the Joachim Hilfenhaus Award
The Joachim Hilfenhaus Award is presented annually at IPPC to recognize excellence in science and research in the plasma protein therapeutics field, honoring individuals whose work has significantly advanced scientific knowledge and clinical practice to better patient lives.