Prof. Aideen Ryan, Professor in Tumour immunology, University of Galway

Sweet Escape Tumour stromal cell sialylation and immunosuppression in colorectal cancer

Abstract: Keen to understand barriers to the effective use of immunotherapy in advanced colon cancer, my research currently focuses on the immune-modulatory mechanisms of mesenchymal stromal cells and the dynamic interactions within the colon cancer microenvironment. Her team is also pioneering the development of 3D models to better understand immune evasion mechanisms, with on stromal-immune interactions.

Biography: Prof. Aideen Ryan is a Professor in Tumour Immunology in the School of Medicine at the University of Galway and a principal investigator in the Lambe Institute for Translational Research. With a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology, and a PhD in Medicine from University College Cork, Dr Ryan’s career has been dedicated to advancing cancer research, particularly in understanding immune suppression in the colon tumor microenvironment.

Her groundbreaking research has resulted in over 60 publications in open access, top ranked international journals, most recently in Journal of Immunotherapy for Cancer and Cell Reports. Aideen has been recognized as an emerging leader in the field of Immunotherapy by the US based Society of Immunotherapy for Cancer (SITC), through their leadership programme ‘Sparkathon’. As a recipient of numerous prestigious awards—including EACR Young Scientist Award, Lindau Nobel laureate meeting Award, Presidents Award for Research Excellence, and the SFI Starting Investigator Research Award—Dr Ryan has secured over €20 million as PI /co-PI in independent internationally reviewed research funding. Aideen’s research has resulted in multiple patents related to innovative approaches for activating the immune system to enhance cancer immunotherapy.

Globally, the novelty of her research is recognised by international collaboration and invitations to present and chair leading conferences and review panels, such as the American Association for Cancer Research, the European Congress of Immunology (ECI) , Society of Immunotherapy for Cancer (SITC) and ERA-NET TRANSCAN. Aideen is a passionate advocate for science communication, engaging the public through outreach initiatives such as ‘Meet the experts’ events, Pint of Science, Cell Explorers and research laboratory tours. Beyond her laboratory achievements, Aideen contributes her expertise as a mentor, grant reviewer, editorial board member, and advisor to numerous research journals and funding agencies.