Ireland marks a new chapter in personalized cancer care with Phase 2 of Precision Oncology Ireland
On 8 October, Ireland strengthened its commitment to precision medicine with the launch of Phase 2 of Precision Oncology Ireland (POI), the country’s leading and largest cancer research program. The initiative, announced by James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, aims to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into real-world cancer care.
A bold, cross-sector collaboration model
POI is built on a pioneering cross-sector partnership model that unites academia, industry, charities, and patient groups. Phase 1 demonstrated the power of sustained collaboration to unlock innovative diagnostics and therapies, and Phase 2 is designed to magnify these advances. The consortium is co-funded by Research Ireland, industry, and the not-for-profit sector, and is coordinated by the Systems Biology Ireland centre at University College Dublin (UCD).
Leadership and vision at the helm
Professor Walter Kolch, Director of Systems Biology Ireland at UCD, leads the POI program. He emphasized that research serves as the engine behind new medicines and highlighted Phase 2’s emphasis on clinical translation. “POI-2 is about linking top-notch cancer research to clinical translation, including advanced computer simulations of the disease to tailor diagnostics and treatments for each patient,” Kolch stated.
Deputy-Director of POI and UCD Professor of Gyne-Oncology, Donal Brennan, reinforced the programme’s trajectory. He noted that Phase 1 delivered meaningful outcomes and that the next phase will embed research more deeply within standard cancer care, enabling patients and society to benefit from improved outcomes and sustainable cancer services across Ireland and beyond.
What Phase 2 aims to achieve
Phase 2 represents a substantial increase in investment, scale, and ambition. The program intends to advance breakthroughs in cancer biology and the development of new treatments, while simultaneously training the next generation of researchers and fostering biotech startups. In doing so, POI seeks to strengthen Ireland’s research infrastructure and create a durable platform for ongoing innovation in cancer care.
A national and international impact
From its inception, POI has sought to unify a community that transcends traditional boundaries. The current phase continues this momentum by deepening collaborations with clinical partners and accelerating the alignment of research with routine cancer care. Minister Lawless underscored the importance of broad stakeholder engagement, noting that breakthroughs in cancer research emerge when clinicians, scientists, industry leaders, patients, charities, and other stakeholders work together toward a shared purpose.
Looking ahead
As POI-2 progresses, the focus will be on integrating advanced computational models, genomics, and data-driven diagnostics to design personalized treatment pathways. The program’s long-term goal is to deliver the right treatment at the right time for every patient, while strengthening research training and supporting the growth of Ireland’s biotech ecosystem.
Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, welcomed Phase 2 as a vital step in sustaining Ireland’s leadership in cancer research and healthcare innovation. The initiative is framed not only as a science program but as a transformative approach to how cancer care is delivered across the country.
