TU Dublin Collaborates with Community Organisations to Strengthen Research on Cancer and Environmental Sustainability

Published: 27 Mar, 2025

TU Dublin is strengthening its commitment to impactful research through deeper collaborations with community partners in the areas of cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as air, soil, and water sustainability. By working with key stakeholders, the university aims to drive meaningful research that directly benefits both society and the environment.

Through the Centre for Radiation and Environmental Science (RESC), the Engaged Research Network (ERN), and the Research Engagement and Impact Office (REIO), TU Dublin has partnered with the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland and The Wheel to co-develop a series of innovative research roundtables. These roundtables serve as a platform for academics, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community organisations to come together, exchange knowledge, and identify pressing research questions that can be addressed collaboratively.

The cancer research roundtables focus on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The first session established key research areas of mutual interest, and the second roundtable, held in March at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus, expanded the group to include a representative from the National Cancer Control Programme, to develop the discussions further. Topics included the importance of prevention and early detection, patient-centred care, and the role of technology in improving outcomes. Plans are already underway for a third roundtable, which will continue to build on these conversations and shape future research directions.

TU Dublin is also leading research collaboration efforts on environmental sustainability. Following an in-person roundtable on air, soil, and water health in January, further online discussions are scheduled for April and May, creating an opportunity for researchers, environmental and health groups, and policymakers to discuss key challenges and identify pathways to research collaborations to generate potential solutions. These sessions will examine pressing issues such as pollution, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management, aiming to foster innovative research projects that support environmental and public health goals.

The university extends its gratitude to all participating community organisations and looks forward to building sustainable partnerships that drive valuable, collaborative research in health and environmental sciences.

For further information, please contact catherine.bates@tudublin.ie.

Participants at the back-to-back roundtables in January 2025. L-R: Dr Aidan Meade (TU Dublin), Austin Campbell (The Liberties Community Project), Helen Forristal, (Marie Keating Foundation – on-screen), Dr Shane O’Reilly (TU Dublin), Dr Aoibhín Heslin (Airfield Estate), Dr Michelle Giltrap  (TU Dublin), Emily Nelson (The Wheel), Dr Ahmed Mahmoud (TU Dublin), Prof. Fiona Lyng (TU Dublin), Kevin O’Hagan (Irish Cancer Society), Finian Murray (HSE and Men’s Health Forum in Ireland), Dr Aoife Donnelly (TU Dublin), Dr Claire McDonnell (TU Dublin).