Ireland Launches Phase 2 of its National Precision Oncology Program
On 8 October, Ireland marked a significant milestone in its fight against cancer with the launch of Phase 2 of Precision Oncology Ireland (POI). The event signals a bold expansion of the country’s leading cancer research program, built to advance personalised cancer research and patient care through cutting-edge technologies and data-driven solutions.
What is Precision Oncology Ireland?
POI is a cross-sector consortium dedicated to delivering tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Its core mission is to ensure every patient receives the right treatment at the right time by leveraging advanced computer simulations, genomics, and data science within a clinical framework. The program operates as a strategic partnership model, co-funded by Research Ireland, industry participants, and the not-for-profit sector, with coordination from the Systems Biology Ireland centre at University College Dublin (UCD).
Phase 1: A Foundation of Collaboration
Phase 1 established a pioneering cross-sector collaboration that united academics, industry partners, charities, and patients. This coalition has already yielded important proof points on how to accelerate innovation in cancer biology, support the development of new treatments, and begin embedding research into routine cancer care. The success of Phase 1 laid a strong foundation for Phase 2 and its expanded ambitions.
Phase 2: Goals, Scale, and Impact
Phase 2 represents a substantial increase in investment, scale, and ambition. The program aims to integrate research more deeply into standard cancer care, while broadening the ecosystem that drives discovery and translation. Key components include advanced computer simulations of cancer, enhanced data integration across clinical and research settings, and the continued development of diagnostic and treatment approaches tailored to individual patients. By linking top-tier cancer research with clinical translation, POI seeks to shorten the journey from discovery to patient benefit.
Clinical Translation at the Forefront
Central to POI’s strategy is embedding research outcomes into everyday oncology practice. This means clinicians will have access to the latest diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches informed by real-time data and predictive modeling. The overarching aim is improved patient outcomes, more efficient cancer services, and a sustainable model for ongoing innovation in Ireland’s healthcare system.
Leadership and Collaboration
The program is coordinated by the Systems Biology Ireland centre at UCD, led by Professor Walter Kolch. Leadership emphasizes close collaboration between clinicians, scientists, industry leaders, patients, charities, and other stakeholders. Minister James Lawless highlighted that breakthroughs in cancer research are most likely when diverse partners unite behind a shared purpose, praising Phase 1 achievements and wishing Phase 2 success as funded research progresses.
Quotes from the Leadership
Minister Lawless said: “Breakthroughs in cancer research are most likely when clinicians, scientists, industry leaders, patients, charities and other stakeholders come together with a shared purpose… I congratulate the team on the advances made to date and wish them every success as they embark on this next phase.”
Professor Walter Kolch added: “Research is the engine behind new medicines. 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.”
UCD Professor of Gyne-Oncology and Deputy-Director of POI, Professor Donal Brennan, noted that Phase 1’s achievements pave the way for stronger clinical partnerships and the embedding of research within standard cancer care for Ireland and beyond.
What This Means for Ireland and Beyond
POI’s strategic partnership is already enabling breakthroughs in cancer biology, supporting new treatments, and strengthening research infrastructure. By training the next generation of researchers and nurturing biotech startups, Phase 2 aims to build a resilient ecosystem that sustains Ireland’s leadership in precision oncology. The program is also expected to deliver societal benefits, including improved cancer outcomes, smarter healthcare innovation, and more sustainable cancer services.
Looking Ahead
As Phase 2 unfolds, Ireland’s national precision oncology program is positioned to accelerate discoveries, shorten translation timelines, and deliver tangible improvements to patients’ lives. The collaboration remains a model for how academia, industry, charities, and patient voices can converge to drive meaningful change in cancer care, with the potential to inform international efforts in personalised oncology.
Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, emphasized that the program’s growth reflects a commitment to a data-driven, patient-centered approach that can redefine cancer care standards across Ireland and globally.
