All-Island Cancer Research Landscape Report
The All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI) has launched the All-Island Cancer Research Landscape Report, showing the performance of cancer research on the island of Ireland. Supported by the Irish Cancer Society and launched in Dublin with the help of Erin McGreehan TD, the report analyses over 10,000 cancer publications from 2019 to 2024.
The strongest indicator reported is that collaboration, especially international collaboration, consistently amplifies cancer research impact, achieving around 160% higher impact score* than the world average. Over 65% of cancer research papers in Ireland and Northern Ireland are co-authored with international partners.
While cancer research papers from Ireland and Northern Ireland achieved impact scores that were 110% and 90% higher than the world average, respectively, the impact was 130% higher for publications from joint cancer research activities.
Prof William Gallagher, Professor of Cancer Biology at UCD, co-lead of AICRI and co-author of the report said: “This report highlights clearly that collaboration is the main driver for better, more impactful cancer research. Our data, covering over 10,000 cancer research publications across the island of Ireland over a recent 6-year period, shows that cross-border, international and academic-industry collaboration are key to ensuring high-quality. Approximately two thirds of our cancer research publications involve international collaborators, representing well over 100 countries worldwide.”
The impact of academic-industry partnerships was even greater, although they account for only 7% of output. Cancer research papers that involved an industry partner in Ireland and Northern Ireland had the strongest impact of all the partnerships evaluated, measuring at 700% and 250% higher than the world average, respectively.
Looking specifically at cancer clinical trials, the data reveal that academic-industry collaborations delivered research outputs that achieved at least 10 times greater impact than the world average, for both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Prof Gallagher said: “Our work highlights areas of cancer research where we are particularly strong but also areas where we need to expand, including the critical areas of quality of life and palliative care. We need to see increased ambition for cross-border research between now and 2030, an expansion of clinical cancer trials across the island, and a deepening of collaboration between industry and academia in cancer innovation.”
Prof Mark Lawler said: “Our number one recommendation is to create an All-Island Cancer Research Co-Centre, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, patients and industry across the island. This could not be more timely or relevant, with the Irish National Cancer Control Programme commissioning a National Cancer Research Plan for Ireland, while [Northern Ireland] Minster Mike Nesbitt recently launched a Cancer Research Framework for Northern Ireland. “We need to be braver and more ambitious than that and deliver a joint North-South initiative to beat a disease that kills a brother, a mother, or a partner and affects, in some way, every single person on this island. We may be small but we can do big things.”
Alongside the main report, AICRI has compiled a dedicated Case Study Booklet showcasing a series of impactful cancer research initiatives from across Ireland and Northern Ireland. These case studies illustrate how collaboration - across borders, disciplines and sectors is translating research excellence into tangible improvements in cancer diagnosis, treatment, innovation and patient outcomes.
