Recalling the Women in Pharma Awards 2026, held on 29th April at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, the Excellence in Senior Leadership award in the Contract Services category was claimed by Dr Gemma Robinson of Acorn Regulatory Consulting Services, a recognition that captured the full range of qualities that define her leadership within Ireland's pharmaceutical and life sciences sector.

Dr Gemma Robinson has built Acorn Regulatory Consulting Services into a leading European consultancy through a leadership approach that combines scientific expertise, strategic insight, and a genuine commitment to the people around her. Her ability to grow a high-performing team while maintaining the standard of right-first-time regulatory outcomes that clients depend on reflects a rare balance of vision and operational discipline. In regulatory affairs, where accuracy and credibility are non-negotiable, that combination is the foundation of sustained reputation.

Central to the judging panel's recognition of Dr Robinson was her approach to innovation and emerging technologies within consultancy services. In a field that has traditionally been conservative in its adoption of new tools, she has demonstrated both the flexibility and the strategic foresight to integrate emerging technologies in ways that strengthen rather than disrupt the quality of regulatory work. That adaptability is increasingly important as the regulatory landscape for pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals continues to evolve in complexity and pace.

Her engagement with the HPRA and EMA has further strengthened her standing within the Irish and European pharmaceutical regulatory community. Working at that level requires not just technical depth but credibility built through consistent, high-quality contribution, and Dr Robinson's track record across both bodies reflects exactly that.

Beyond her technical and strategic achievements, the judges noted her active championing of women in leadership, resilience, and collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry. In growing Acorn Regulatory, she has not only built a business but modelled a way of leading that others in the sector can follow.

Stay tuned for the Women in Pharma Awards 2027 cycle, where the next generation of remarkable women in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector will once again be celebrated.

View the full list of winners at www.womeninpharmaawards.ie/shortlist, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed on future award cycles and industry news.