VOICE-Ireland

Cancer Research Training for Patient Advocates

What is VOICE-Ireland?

VOICE-Ireland stands for Vision On Information, Confidence and Engagement - Ireland. It is the first programme of its kind in Ireland, offering a fully immersive scientific training residency for people with lived experience of cancer. VOICE-Ireland adapts the successful UK-based VOICE model, originally developed by ICPV and the Barts Cancer Institute in London. It has been co-designed in Ireland by patient advocates and researchers in partnership, grounded in co-production, inclusion and meaningful collaboration.

VOICE-Ireland launches as a pilot project in 2026, selecting 14 patient advocates from across Ireland to participate in its inaugural year, with plans for expansion in future cycles.

A Fully Immersive Training Residency

VOICE-Ireland offers a fully immersive 5-day residency on the UCD campus where participants explore the science of cancer and the wider research landscape. Through expert-led lectures, talks, and facilitated discussions, advocates will learn about cancer biology, research methods, emerging technologies and the evolving role of patient advocacy. The programme includes hands-on laboratory sessions in UCD’s research facilities, giving participants the chance to apply scientific concepts in practice. Attendees will also engage with topics such as AI in cancer care and developments in cancer vaccines.

Alongside scientific learning, the programme supports the development of practical advocacy skills. Participants will gain confidence in reviewing scientific papers, engaging with researchers and contributing to conversations about research, innovation and policy. A core focus of the residency is community building, giving advocates the opportunity to connect with peers and form a strong, supportive network.

The programme is free to attend, with all accommodation, meals and training costs covered to ensure an inclusive and accessible learning environment.

Why Attend?

People living with and beyond cancer hold vital knowledge and experience, yet many face barriers that limit their involvement in research and decision making. These can include unfamiliar scientific language, lack of confidence or structural imbalances within healthcare and research systems.

VOICE-Ireland has been created to remove those barriers. It provides structured time for learning, discussion and leadership development. The programme equips advocates to influence cancer research priorities and contribute meaningfully to study design and innovation. It also helps strengthen their voice in advocacy and ensures that patient perspectives shape decision making across the system.

Apply now

We hope that participants involved in this programme will carry their lived experience and the skills acquired during the residency into active and meaningful involvement in the research community.

If this is something you are interested in, download the application form below and email it to chantal.halley@ucd.ie.

Please note that places are limited. Due to the high volume of applications expected, a selection process will be used to select participants. Do not be discouraged if you are not selected this time, as we aim to expand the programme in the future. The selection criteria ensures that those chosen will be well placed to apply their experience and newly gained skills to contribute meaningfully to the research community.

Download Form

VOICE-Ireland’s Steering Committee

Prof. William Gallagher

Prof. William Gallagher is a Full Professor of Cancer Biology at UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Fellow and co-lead of the All-island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI).
Professor Gallagher has received numerous awards for his research and innovation achievements in the oncology arena, including the NovaUCD 2011 Innovation Award, the inaugural Irish Association for Cancer Research Medal in 2017, the SFI Entrepreneurship Award in 2019 and the SFI Researcher of the Year Award 2021.