A €28 million programme brings together universities, charities and industry to advance precision oncology in Ireland and develop tailored cancer diagnostics and treatments
A new €28 million initiative has been launched to unite universities, charities, and industry in driving next-generation cancer care across Ireland. Coordinated by University College Dublin’s Systems Biology Ireland and co-funded through Research Ireland, the Precision Oncology Ireland project aims to pioneer precision oncology by creating tailored diagnostics and therapeutic strategies, fostering collaboration across sectors to accelerate clinical translation and improve outcomes for cancer patients.
Launch of Phase 2 of Precision Oncology Ireland
Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, James Lawless TD, recently launched Phase 2 of the country’s leading and largest-ever cancer research programme, Precision Oncology Ireland (POI).
POI aims to advance personalised cancer research and care. Its mission is to develop tailored diagnostic and therapeutic solutions using cutting-edge technologies and data.
The programme, co-funded through Research Ireland and coordinated by the Systems Biology Ireland Centre based at University College Dublin, will ensure every patient receives timely, innovative cancer care.
Minister Lawless said: “Breakthroughs in cancer research are most likely when clinicians, scientists, industry leaders, patients, charities and other stakeholders come together with a shared purpose. The first phase of Precision Oncology Ireland serves as proof that strong, sustained collaboration can unlock innovation and accelerate the development of transformative solutions. I congratulate the team on the advances made to date and wish them every success as they embark on this next phase of funded Research.”
Professor Walter Kolch said, “research is the engine behind new medicines. POI-2 is dedicated to connecting top-notch cancer research with clinical translation. This includes the development of advanced computer simulations of the disease, so that we can design the best diagnostic and treatment approaches for each patient.”
UCD Professor of Gynae-Oncology, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at the Mater Hospital, and Deputy-Director of POI, Professor Donal Brennan said: “The first phase of this programme delivered significant achievements. We now aim to strengthen collaboration with clinical partners and move towards embedding Research within standard cancer care, so that patients and society across Ireland – and beyond – can benefit from improved outcomes, enhanced healthcare innovation, and more sustainable delivery of cancer services.”
Collaboration is the key to breakthroughs
The first phase of POI established a pioneering cross-sector collaborative model, bringing together academics, industry partners, charities, and patients.
Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO, Research Ireland, said: “The highly impactful Precision Oncology Ireland strategic partnership is enabling breakthroughs in cancer biology, supporting the development of new treatments, training the next generation of researchers, nurturing biotech start-ups, and strengthening critical research infrastructure.
“This programme has built a unified community that is creating a lasting impact on how we approach cancer research in Ireland. Phase 2, now, represents a substantial increase in investment, scale and ambition, as we work to deliver the next generation of cancer care.”
UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Professor Kate Robson Brown, said: “The launch of POI-2 marks a pivotal step in realising our collective strategic vision to advance precision medicine, accelerate interdisciplinary collaboration, and harness the transformative power of AI and digital technologies. Most importantly, it reflects our unwavering commitment to translating groundbreaking Research into tangible improvements in patient care and outcomes. This programme exemplifies the future of healthcare research and innovation, and we are proud to be at the forefront.”
