Dr O’Mahony is a health economist and Assistant Professor at the School of Economics at University College Dublin where he is employed as an Ad Astra Fellow.
James is an economist by training and his research addresses the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of cancer prevention. This work primarily involves simulation modelling of cancer screening.
He is a member of the CERVIVA multi-disciplinary research consortium that investigates HPV-related diseases, including cervical and head and neck cancer. James works closely with international research collaborators.
In particular, he continues to work with the Department of Public Health at Erasmus University Rotterdam. He also maintains close research links with Ireland's National Cancer Registry and the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry. He is an active member of the Health Economics Association of Ireland.
James has published over 20 international, peer-reviewed scientific papers, many of which address the appropriate intensity and targeting of cancer screening services. In addition to screening, his research interests include CEA methods in general, simulation modelling and the use of CEA evidence by decision makers.
James has a particular interest in the extent to which cost-effectiveness evidence is used by policy makers and the influence this has on population health in Ireland. James is also involved in post-graduate level teaching and research supervision. He is currently primary supervisor to two PhD candidates investigating the cost-effectiveness of cancer screening.