Ireland’s Largest Cancer Research Programme Secures €28m for Phase 2 Expansion
precision Oncology Ireland (POI), Ireland’s flagship cancer research initiative, has received €28 million in co-funding to launch Phase 2. The announcement, made by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, marks a major milestone in the country’s commitment to personalised cancer care. Since its inception in 2019, POI has united five Irish universities, six cancer charities, and seven industry partners with a shared mission: to accelerate the development of precision oncology through collaborative research, advanced diagnostics, and patient-centred care.
A Cross-Sector Model That Bridges Research and Clinical Care
Under the leadership of Prof Walter Koch at the System Biology Ireland Centre in University College Dublin (UCD), POI has forged a pioneering cross-sector collaboration. The Phase 1 model demonstrated how clinicians, scientists, industry players, patient advocates, and charities can work together to translate laboratory breakthroughs into clinical applications. This collaborative backbone positions POI to scale up in Phase 2, with a stronger emphasis on clinical translation and public involvement.
Why Phase 2 Matters: Translating Research into Real-World Benefit
POI-2 aims to deepen interdisciplinary research by expanding clinical engagement, widening training opportunities, and boosting patient involvement in both research and care delivery. A central pillar is the use of advanced computer simulations of cancer. These digital models help researchers design the most effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies tailored to individual patients, reducing trial-and-error approaches and accelerating the journey from discovery to bedside.
Putting Patients at the Heart of Cancer Innovation
Patient involvement has been a defining feature of POI since its early days. Siobhan Gaynor, a patient advocate living with advanced breast cancer, has played a pivotal role in shaping POI’s patient-centered approach. Gaynor’s work includes leading a 2023 survey of stage IV patients to capture real-world experiences, which earned recognition as the Irish Cancer Society Public and Patient Involvement project of the year in 2025. Her advocacy highlights the evolving needs of those living with advanced cancer — from quality of life to timely access to services and data-informed care decisions.
The Role of Advanced Patient Involvement in POI-2
Phase 2 will expand patient engagement across governance, research design, and dissemination. By integrating patient perspectives more deeply, POI aims to ensure that research questions, outcomes, and delivery models align with what matters most to people living with cancer. This approach also seeks to improve public understanding of advanced cancer realities, helping to bridge gaps between health services and the communities they serve.
Funding and Collaboration: A National Commitment
The €28 million co-funding for Phase 2 comes from a mix of government, industry, and not-for-profit sources through Research Ireland’s broader research ecosystem. This investment reflects a national strategy to bolster Ireland’s capabilities in precision oncology — a field where data-driven, patient-centric approaches promise to improve survival, quality of life, and the efficient use of healthcare resources.
Leadership and Outlook for the Next Phase
Prof Walter Koch emphasizes that “research is the engine behind new medicines.” With Phase 2, POI intends to accelerate the cycle of discovery, validation, and clinical deployment. The programme will also expand training for researchers and clinicians, ensuring a pipeline of experts skilled in translational science, bioinformatics, and patient-engaged research. The ultimate outcome is a more integrated care pathway in which precision diagnostics and targeted therapies are informed by robust data, real-world evidence, and patient priorities.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for Cancer Care in Ireland
As POI enters Phase 2, the initiative stands as a model for how cross-sector collaboration can drive meaningful progress in cancer care. By uniting academic excellence, industry innovation, charitable support, and patient voices, POI aims to shorten the distance between discovery and delivery, delivering real benefits to patients and families affected by cancer across Ireland.
