BISEACH
Improving Cancer Outcomes Through Collaborative Research
Sharing expertise, exchanging knowledge, and learning from each other is the foundation for good research collaboration and positive change - bringing brilliant people together to generate brilliant ideas.
BISEACH is Irish for IMPROVEMENT, HEALING, RECOVERY
Cancer researchers at the University of Galway and Notre Dame’s Harper Cancer Research Institute have come together to establish the Biseach Initiative, a strategic cancer biology and translational research collaboration, which aims to build on the ideas, talent, and infrastructure of both Universities for global impact.
“There is a wealth of scientific and clinical research and training expertise in both the Harper Cancer Research Institute and University of Galway. The Biseach Initiative, enabled by the Notre Dame Kylemore Global Centre, harnesses the appetite for collaboration, to further cancer research and provide educational and professional development opportunities for our students and research leaders”
Research Partnership
Our partnership has been building since 2019 when Harper Cancer Research Institute director, Professor Sharon M. Stack and colleagues visited University of Galway, meeting with Professor Michael Kerin and colleagues. A return visit by a Galway delegation was supported by a HEA Academic Mobility Awards and the University of Galway International Office.
Plans for a 2020 research retreat at the Kylemore Global Centre were paused as the pandemic gripped the world. Good ideas and plans aren’t easily deterred. Virtual Biseach Initiative symposia were hosted throughout 2020, showcasing research programmes from Harper and Galway. In June 2022 the planned research retreat took place, which included visits to University of Galway laboratory facilities and a two-day research symposium and networking event at Kylemore.
Fighting Irish, Fighting Cancer
In August 2023 the University of Galway and University of Notre Dame signed a memorandum of understanding to further build cancer research collaborations and strengthen links between both institutions through the Biseach Initiative. Prof Stack was invited to join the Saolta-University of Galway Cancer Centre Scientific Advisory Board and Prof Michael Kerin was invited to join the Harper Cancer Research Institute Industry Advisory Board.
Naughton Fellowship
Prof Sharon Stack will visit University of Galway in October 2024 as part of her Naughton Fellowship Award to collaborate on a project titled "Growing the Biseach Initiative: Improving Cancer Outcomes through International Collaborative Research."
“The Kylemore Global Centre situated in the heart of Connemara is a place where the University of Notre Dame engages with the landscape and the wider Irish community in meaningful and authentic ways. Together with our local partners such as the University of Galway - we strive to provide multi-disciplinary programming for leaders, thinkers, and creators with a focus on advancing research, forming community and nourishing collaborations such as the Biseach Initiative”.
Student Cancer Research
The Study Abroad in Galway programme enables Notre Dame students to undertake an internship with University of Galway cancer research teams. Students take on a range of practical tasks – laboratory techniques, literature appraisal and report writing - throughout a semester, under the guidance of academic researchers. To date students have been hosted by research academics in the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences in Galway.
Student Cancer Research Experience
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