We’re thrilled to announce that ‘Debunking The Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health’ has been honoured with the RCSI Education Innovation Award 2025 at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences International Education Forum! This is a monumental moment for our team here at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and for the...
Debunking The Myths Wins RCSI Education Innovation Award 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that ‘Debunking The Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health’ has been honoured with the RCSI Education Innovation Award 2025 at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences International Education Forum! This is a monumental moment for our team here at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and for the thousands of young people we’ve been privileged to reach.
The judges have said “Debunking the Myths stands out as the only health education programme in Ireland that directly connects teenagers with a multidisciplinary team of medical experts, offering credible evidence-based knowledge. It has been recognised by Research Ireland, HSE Sexual Health Programme and the Department of Health as an educational leader in the field of sexual health.”
When we started “Debunking the Myths,” our goal was clear: to empower Irish teenagers with accurate sexual health information, challenge stigma, and directly counter the overwhelming amount of misinformation online. We’re proud to say that we’ve already made a significant impact, reaching an incredible 17,708 students across 26 counties!
Judges also recognised that accessibility and engagement are central to the programme’s impact with a significant focus on co-design with participants. Our hybrid delivery model, combining in-person and virtual workshops, allow our multidisciplinary RCSI team, including colleagues in the Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine and Department of Health Psychology, to connect with diverse student audiences around the country. Interactive activities and open discussion formats foster curiosity and empower students to ask questions in a non-judgmental environment, making the learning experience both inclusive and engaging.
We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the project. This incredible recognition would not have been possible without the support and dedication of so many individuals. Healthcare experts are the backbone of this programme, and it is their educational insights and credibility of knowledge which ensures this project is as impactful as it is. We could not work together to tackle misinformation without the input of factual information from the mouths of experts. Their dedication ensures that our content remains accurate, up-to-date, trustworthy and that it is delivered with a unique brand of empathy.
Moreover, we would like to give a massive shout out to all the teenagers in schools and youth organisations who have participated in our focus groups. We deeply appreciate the contributions of organisations such as SpunOut, BelongTo & Comhairle na nÓg for helping us in amplifying young people’s voices. It is because of your perspectives and insights that we remain relevant, impactful and engaging to students just like you. Your voices are the heart of what we do, and we are continuously learning from you all.
We are eternally grateful for the vital support from our funders at Research Ireland. Their belief in our mission has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Furthermore, we want to acknowledge the invaluable institutional support from The RCSI University and Hospital group we are proud to be a part of, and the continuous collaboration and support from the Rotunda Hospital. Their commitment to promoting public health and education has been a cornerstone of our success.
And finally, we extend our gratitude to all the schools and youth organisations who have participated in our Debunking the Myths workshops, as well as to our followers on social media and supporters, your belief fuels all we do.
This award isn’t just a recognition for “Debunking the Myths” it is a testament to the power of innovative education and its profound impact on public health. We are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and remain committed to empowering young people with the vital, accurate health information they deserve.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. We are excited about what the future holds for ‘Debunking The Myths’!