Breakthrough Cancer Research Exhibition

SBI, POI and ‘Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope’

Tuesday, 26 August, 2025

Earlier this month, several members of the Systems Biology Ireland and Precision Oncology Ireland (POI) teams were honoured to attend an historical exhibition launch from POI charity partner, (opens in a new window)Breakthrough Cancer Research. “Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope” is a free interactive multimedia exhibition currently on display in Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin’s city centre. The temporary public presentation captures stories from cancer patients and researchers through a unique and compelling series of photographs, videos, artistic representations and even personal artifacts shared from cancer patients and their families.

Included in this exhibition is a specially curated section from SBI and POI, showcasing the transformative power of combining biological lab research with computational analysis. Research work from Prof. Walter Kolch, Dr. Luis Iglesias Martinez, Dr. Ines Elsayed, Dr. Soraya Epp and Dr. Mary O’Reilly is featured alongside work from POI researchers and collaborators including Prof. Mark Tangney, Dr Eva Szegezdi, Dr. Cormac Owens and Dr Ciaran Devoy. Work from Prof. Owen Smith is also included in the exhibit. 

The SBI/POI display is built around the concept of digital twins and the way in which researchers are using cutting edge analytics to bring personalised treatment and diagnostics to the clinic, making meaningful strides towards better cancer care and improved outcomes for patients. The display is positioned near the exhibit’s iconic sculpture of a tumour.

This exhibition is a tapestry of science and humanity, with research as the thread that ties it all together.
~ Orla Dolan, CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research

The standing-room-only launch event opened with speeches from Orla Dolan, CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research, Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam and Prof. Luke O'Neill, Trinity College Dublin/SBI Scientific Advisory Board, followed by an official ribbon cutting.

The event garnered significant media attention, featuring on the RTE and Virgin Media evening news channels and across multiple social media outlets, bolstered by positive reactions of attendees. There were many cancer patients and families in attendance for this first look, including “Lord of the Dance” Michael Flatley, who donated a flute that was particularly meaningful during his own cancer treatment and recovery. 

“Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope” is open to the public until 31 October at Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. Tickets are free but booking is essential. (opens in a new window)https://breakthroughcancerresearch.ie/cancer-revolution/