Ireland’s largest-ever cancer research programme enters new phase with UCD at the helm
10 October 2025
Siobhan Gaynor, Advanced Cancer Patient Council member and patient researcher; Donal Brenan, UCD Professor of Gynae-Oncology and POI Deputy Director; Prof Walter Kolch, Director of POI and SBI; Dr Siobhan Roche, Director of Science for the Economy, Taighde Éireann–Research Ireland; Prof Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact Credit: Angela Halpin
Ireland’s most ambitious cancer research collaboration (opens in a new window)Precision Oncology Ireland (POI) has entered its second phase, marking a major step forward in the development of next-generation personalised cancer care.
Coordinated by Systems Biology Ireland (SBI) at University College Dublin and led by its Director (opens in a new window)Professor Walter Kolch, POI-2 brings together five Irish universities, six cancer research charities, and seven international industry partners in a strategic partnership aimed at transforming how cancer is diagnosed and treated in Ireland.
The mission of POI is to develop tailored diagnostic and therapeutic solutions using cutting-edge technologies and data, ensuring every patient receives the right treatment at the right time.
This new phase of the programme will focus on expanding scientific scope and infrastructure, strengthening clinical engagement, enhancing patient and public involvement, and providing new training opportunities for the next generation of cancer researchers.
“Research is the engine behind new medicines,” said Professor Kolch. “POI-2 is all about linking top notch cancer research to 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 individual patient.”
We're proud to have coordinated POI since 2019 – helping shape its design and growth into a leading, multidisciplinary initiative. Excited to kick off Stage 2 with a consortium spanning research, industry, healthcare, charity and patient sectors. (opens in a new window)#CancerInnovation (opens in a new window)#TeamScience (opens in a new window)https://t.co/MajP3eysRj
— Systems Biology Ire (@sysbioire) (opens in a new window)October 8, 2025
Speaking at the launch of POI-2, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said that breakthroughs in cancer research were “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 stands as proof that strong, sustained collaboration can unlock innovation and accelerate 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.”
UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Professor Kate Robson Brown added: “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.”
The POI-2 programme is co-funded by Research Ireland and industry and non-profit partners including the Irish Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Ireland, and the Children’s Health Foundation.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations (with materials from Caroline Byrne, UCD Research and Innovation)
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
