Irish chemist becomes first woman to lead EU drugs agency 

Lorraine Nolan said: “It is a great honour to take on the leadership of the EUDA at this exciting stage of its development. File picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

An Irish chemist has become the first woman to lead the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA).

Lorraine Nolan began her five-year term as the new executive director of the EUDA this month.

The Trinity College Dublin graduate has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across science, public service, and regulatory affairs, including 10 years as chief executive of Ireland’s Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

Before joining the HPRA, she worked as a forensic scientist with the Department of Justice (1998–2001), performing forensic profiling of illicit drugs and collaborating closely with national law enforcement.

She was also a key adviser to the Department of Health on regulatory and drug policy development.

Ms Nolan is a leading figure in European and international regulatory cooperation for medicines and medical devices. She served as Chair of the Management Board of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and has worked closely with a wide range of EU institutions, regulatory networks and global partners.

Scientifically, Ms Nolan is an expert in the evaluation and regulation of medicines and drugs, drawing on 25 years of experience across regulatory, technical, policy and management roles.

Ms Nolan said: “It is a great honour to take on the leadership of the EUDA at this exciting stage of its development. I look forward to guiding the agency in strengthening Europe’s capacity to anticipate and respond effectively to evolving drug challenges, while driving innovation and organisational transformation.

"By promoting collaboration across national, European and international partners and communities, we can enhance resilience, improve preparedness and support healthier, safer societies. The agency has a long history of scientific excellence. I am so proud to join such a highly committed team at a time when strong facts and evidence-based decision-making matter more than ever."

Ms Nolan took up the post of executive director of the EUDA on January, 1, following her appointment by the Management Board in June 2025.

She is the fourth person to hold the top position at the agency and the first woman in the post.

She succeeds Alexis Goosdeel (Belgium) who led the agency for the previous 10 years.

Ms Nolan has a PhD in pharmaceutical chemistry from Trinity College Dublin.

The EUDA provides drug-related expertise in Europe with independent, scientifically validated knowledge, alerts and recommendations.