The Irish Cancer Society along with Science Foundation Ireland has joined forces with the intention to create a higher level of cooperation between higher education institutions and teaching hospitals. In order to do this a new cancer research fund has been created worth €7.5 million to give grants to researchers who are attempting to tackle the disease. The reason for this is according to the Irish Cancer society, cancer rates in Ireland are expected to increase to 40,000 cases each year by 2020.

Speaking about the new research fund was John Fitzpatrick, who is the head of research at the Irish Cancer Society who believe that it is an exciting project. Mr Fitzpatrick said “This is a new and exciting venture that provides the platform for even greater collaboration in cancer research in Ireland, including industry and new research disciplines, which will allow more rapid translation of discoveries into benefits for cancer patients and the public.”