Ó An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan has today announced a Research Ireland Strategic Partnership Award of €5 million to researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences for breast cancer research.
The award will fund the ‘PRISM (Precision Oncology Research Initiative for Metastatic Breast Cancer)’ programme, which focuses on advanced breast cancer and aims to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients. PRISM will be led by the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, with Professor Leonie Young, Scientific Director of the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, serving as the Programme Director, and Dr Damir Vareslija as Co-Director.
Announcing the funding, Minister O’Donovan said:
"I am delighted to announce this funding for PRISM, which brings together experts from the academic, pharmaceutical and charitable sectors over the next four years. Partnership is so often a critical factor in determining the success of research endeavours. I am confident that this breast cancer research collaboration will enhance understanding and treatment of this disease."
The pioneering initiative, funded by Research Ireland, Breast Cancer Ireland and Carrick Therapeutics, represents a significant advancement in the fight against advanced breast cancer. Key collaborators include University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway and Cancer Trials Ireland.
In Ireland, more than 3,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year, many of which progress to metastatic disease – a form that is difficult to treat. PRISM brings together a team of researchers and experts to introduce the first national longitudinal multi-omic study for advanced breast cancer patients, using comprehensive genomic profiling to better understand and target the mechanisms of breast cancer spread (metastasis) and consequently, develop new, effective treatments.
Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO, Research Ireland, commented:
"Research Ireland are proud to support PRISM through our Strategic Partnership Programme. By combining the expertise of academia, industry, and patient advocacy groups, the PRISM programme is opening the door to the prospect of more treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer."
Ash Bahl, CSO of Carrick Therapeutics, said:
"Carrick Therapeutics is pleased to partner on the PRISM project. By pooling our expertise in research that aligns with our drug development strategy, we are very optimistic that this project will produce successful results."
Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, commented:
"Breast Cancer Ireland is proud to co-fund the PRISM project. By supporting this innovative research, we aim to bring hope to patients and their families by working towards the discovery of newer, more effective targeted drug treatments for advanced breast cancer."
Professor Fergal O’Brien, Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at RCSI, said:
"Through this strategic partnership, our researchers are embarking on a journey that aligns with RCSI’s aim to find innovative solutions that translate into new technologies for the benefit of patient health."
Established on 1 August 2024, Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland is Ireland’s new competitive research and innovation funding agency. The agency amalgamates the activities and functions of the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and will capitalise on the recognised strengths of these two agencies in driving world-class research and innovation in Ireland.
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is ranked fifth in the world for its contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2024. Founded in 1784 as the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with responsibility for training surgeons in Ireland, today RCSI is an innovative, not-for-profit, international university exclusively focused on driving improvements in human health worldwide through education, research and engagement.