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Breast cancer research scientists at University of Galway have secured a new five-year €1.4 million project to drive the next generation of cancer care as part of Precision Oncology Ireland. Irish-based scientists plan to drive the next generation of breast cancer care as part of a new €1.4 million five-year project. The initiative, funded by the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) and Taighde Eireann, will see scientists at University of Galway undergo translational research in several areas, including: Investigating the potential for treatment of advanced breast cancer using short sequences of RNA – the molecule in all cells which carries genetic codes. Identifying biomarkers to predict how patients will respond to treatment, to ensure they only receive beneficial treatments. Increasing understanding of factors that impact the quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy, such as treatment toxicity, anxiety and exercise. The project will take place as part of Precision Oncology Ireland (POI), a consortium of universities, charities and international companies, collaborating to deliver next generation cancer care in Ireland. This new funding will support the second phase of POI’s research programme, with the studies being led by Prof Róisín Dwyer, Prof Aoife Lowery and Prof Michael Kerin, all of whom are based at the University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the Lambe Institute. “Precision Oncology Ireland-2 provides a unique ecosystem where experts from a broad range of backgrounds come together with a common goal – to improve quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients,” said Prof Dwyer. “We are delighted to continue our involvement in this impactful consortium and look forward to contributing to development of approaches to ensure patients receive appropriate targeted therapies while minimising side effects.” Supported by the Galway University Foundation, the new commitment by NBCRI to breast cancer research at University of Galway builds on the Signature Partnership with the charity which was announced in May 2025 “The mission of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute is to raise funds to support world-class breast cancer research at University of Galway,” said NBCRI chair Caroline Loughnane. “We are delighted to match the funding from Research Ireland to support the Precision Oncology Ireland breast cancer research programme at the Lambe Institute. Partnering with national research consortia and collaborators is critical for sharing knowledge to improve our understanding of breast cancer, with the goal of delivering better treatments for patients.”
