Prof Giordani and Dr Conlon feature in Breakthrough Cancer Research exhibition
Prof Silvia Giordani and the Giordani group's work focuses on nanomedicine, specifically the design and development of carbon-based nanoparticles as targeted drug delivery platforms for cancer treatment. These nanoscale systems are engineered to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells – increasing treatment efficacy while minimizing harmful side effects on healthy tissue.
Their exhibit includes displays explaining how nanomaterials can be customized to interact with cancer cells at the molecular level. This work, funded through the Research Ireland Enterprise Fellowship Programme and supported by Breakthrough Cancer Research, represents a powerful example of how basic science translates into real-world impact.
Dr Neil Conlon and the Breast and Gynaecological Oncology Targeted Therapies research group's work focuses on finding new and effective treatments for hard-to-treat breast and gynaecological cancers.
As Dr Conlon says in the exhibition literature "we grow cancer cells in the lab like mini-tumours, to understand how cancers grow and respond to drugs." They explore Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), which are ‘smart medicines’ that precisely deliver chemotherapy to cancer cells, minimizing side effects. They also investigate if existing drugs, approved for other diseases, can be repurposed to fight aggressive cancers. "Our goal is to identify the most promising new therapies for patients."
Members of both research groups have also volunteered at the exhibition and fundraising event, speaking directly with visitors about their work, their journey as young scientists, and how feedback from the public helps shape and inspire future research directions.
The exhibition as whole tells the story of cancer – from its earliest documentation to today’s most lifesaving treatments and tomorrow’s innovations. It was originally developed by the Science Museum Group (UK) and specially adapted for an Irish audience by Breakthrough Cancer Research who have brought to bear Irish contributions to cancer research.