There isn’t a family in Ireland it hasn’t touched.

Now University College Cork (UCC) and UPMC have announced a new partnership in cancer research, starting with the appointment of two new Professors of Medical Oncology to UCC.

The key strategic positions are part of a drive to establish an internationally-recognised Cancer Research Institute at the university.

Funded by UPMC and backed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), the project will establish the foundation for research collaboration between UCC, the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Pittsburgh.

The university says the international collaboration will be integral to the progression of cancer research across the south of the country “and to establish a collaborative research environment, provide greater access to clinical trials for patients, and embed cutting-edge research in clinical care”.

Improving outcomes

“Our goal is to improve outcomes for patients through the translation of innovative scientific findings to clinical trials and practice, bridging UCC and indeed international science with health care for those at risk of or living with cancer,” said Prof. Roisin Connolly, the Professor Gerald O’Sullivan Chair in Cancer Research at UCC.

“Recruitment of the best and brightest in cancer research and clinical care to our region will play a pivotal role in the expansion of UCC’s academic efforts in the cancer space.”

According to Mary Hickey, Director of Oncology Services for UPMC in Ireland, the new co-funded positions will establish a two-way exchange of expertise between UCC, CUH and UPMC, ultimately driving progress in finding treatments and cures for cancer patients in Ireland and beyond.

“UPMC has a long history of partnering with organisations in Ireland to expand access to high-quality health care in communities close to where they live. This latest collaboration will now fuel our efforts to expand life-changing cancer research in Ireland,” she added.

Image: Prof. Roisin Connolly, the Professor Gerald O’Sullivan Chair in Cancer Research at UCC, Mary Hickey, Director of Oncology Services for UPMC in Ireland, Prof. Helen Whelton, Head of College of Medicine and Health at UCC, and Michael Fetterolf UPMC Director of International Clinical Operations. (Provision)