Irene is Associate Professor and Head of the Section of Oral Public Health. In this role, she supports and facilitates the section's educational, research, and societal activities.

Her work combines teaching, educational leadership, and academic management. She coordinates courses on introduction to dentistry, academic and professional development, and Evidence-Based Dentistry within the Bachelor's programme, and supervises Master's thesis projects.

Throughout her career, Irene has contributed to curriculum development, assessment, quality assurance, and educational innovation. She has led and participated in numerous educational projects and continues to support the development of dental education.

In addition, she has collaborated on a wide range of research projects in dentistry and oral health, and has supervised PhD candidates as co-promotor and promotor. She has held several academic leadership positions, including Chair of the Examination Board.

Her interests include dental education, student development, evidence-based practice, educational quality, and academic leadership.