The CBT group was exceptionally well represented at the Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) 2026 conference, recently held in Galway. The meeting brought together over 300 cancer researchers from across Ireland alongside leading national and international speakers, and CBT members made a strong impact across the programme.

Senior representation was evident throughout, with Maria Prencipe and Simone Marcone serving on the IACR Executive Council as Grant Officer and Chair of the Emerging Leaders Council, respectively. Antoinette Perry also contributed as an invited speaker, delivering an outstanding talk on non invasive tumour detection and monitoring through epigenetic biomarkers.

Early career researchers played a particularly prominent role. Kate Duffy appeared on a panel discussion focused on acquiring funding as an early career researcher. In addition, Kate Duffy and Caoimhe Burke were shortlisted as two of six finalists for the prestigious Prof. Patrick G. Johnston Award for Excellence in Cancer Research Outreach, which recognises impactful public engagement in cancer research. Following a highly competitive process, CBT member Caoimhe Burke was awarded first place.

CBT researchers were also strongly represented in the proffered abstract sessions, with Arif Chowdury, Kim Zitzman, and Kate Duffy invited to present their work. Kate Duffy was awarded Best PhD Proffered Abstract Talk, recognising the quality and impact of her research.

The group’s success extended to the poster sessions. Jay Campbell and David John were both awarded Highly Commended Display Poster Prizes, while in the Patrick Johnston Lay Poster category, Rianna Magee received a poster prize.

This outstanding level of participation and achievement highlights the strength, visibility, and growing influence of the CBT group within the Irish cancer research community.