In association with
Venue: ECIT Board Room QUB Titanic quarter
Date: 7th Dec
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Why are we here?
This is the first of number of events. The goal of this roundtable is to bring together key stakeholders to explore the potential for delivering all-island cancer data infrastructure, aligning with the All-Island eHealth Hub for Cancer, a €4M Hub of Excellence funded through the Higher Education Authority’s North South Research Programme. The primary focus of the event is to define the core data infrastructure and identify partners willing to help pump-prime this initiative.
We will then progress an initiative that will lead to the implementation of the core data infrastructure that will support researchers in developing improved treatments for children with cancer.
Agenda
Chair: Colm Hayden, Anaeko
Dr Simon McDade, QUB (5 mins)
Timing is everything! Dr McDade will outline why the timing is right to put in place Collaborative Data Infrastructure to support cancer research.
Prof Mark Lawler, QUB (15 mins)
Why Data Can! Prof Lawler will talk about the fundamental role of data in cancer research
Dr Chris Armstrong, Benchling (15 mins)
Accelerating R&D through cloud migration: The Overwatch Journey
Dr. Michael Quinn, QUB (15 mins)
Opportunity to build transformative cancer data assets to accelerate cancer research and innovation on the island of Ireland.
Roundtable Discussion (50mins)
• Current state of research data infrastructure
• Desired state of research data infrastructure
• Unique timely opportunity in NI
• Obstacles and challenges to be overcome.
• Key phases and priorities
• Enumeration and categorisation of key partners
• Potential funding sources
Round Table Summary (20mins)
Speaker Bios
Simon McDade is a Reader and Group Leader at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research (PGJCCR). He is also a co-founder of two innovative companies, blokbio and AilseVax, specialising in cloud-genomics and cancer vaccine technology. Dr. McDade’s leadership extends to the QUB Genomics Core Technology Unit (GCTU), where he plays a pivotal role in developing genomics and data infrastructure to support the ambitions of the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD). His research spans a range of diseases, with a strong emphasis on collaborative, multidisciplinary translational teams.
Professor Mark Lawler is Professor of Digital Health and Chair in Translational Cancer Genomics at Queen’s University Belfast. He is Co-lead of the All Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI), Scientific Director of DATA-CAN, the UK’s Health Data Research Hub for Cancer and Chair of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, which sets a benchmark for cancer outcomes globally. He is Chair of the recently published Lancet Oncology European GroundshotCommission, the most comprehensive analysis of cancer research in Europe ever, a data-driven initiative which reimagines cancer research and its implementation across Europe. Mark has a strong commitment to patient-centred research and addressing cancer inequalities. He was architect of the European Cancer Patient’s Bill of Rights, launched in the European Parliament (World Cancer Day). He received the 2018 European Health Award, a prestigious award for partnerships that yield real health impact in Europe. His pioneering work on Covid-19 and cancer received the Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Award and the prestigious European Communique Award, which recognised the use of data to enhance cancer services and effect policy change. He leads the European Cancer Organisation’s European Cancer Pulse which captures data intelligence to inform mitigation of cancer inequalities. In 2021, Mark received the Irish Association for Cancer Research’s Outstanding Contribution to cancer research award, for his pioneering work on cancer research and care on the island of Ireland. In 2022, he and his team won the prestigious HDR-UK Impact of the Year Award for providing the crucial intelligence to inform a change in policy for treating colorectal cancer.
Dr. Chris Armstrong established Overwatch in 2017 to enhance the design and reproducibility of animal studies. The software solutions they developed aid biopharmaceutical firms and CROs in reducing errors and accelerating drug development. The 2022 acquisition by Benchling brought Overwatch’s in vivo study capabilities into its R&D Cloud, broadening the scope to translate initial research into life-saving products.
Dr. Michael Quinn, a Clinical Lecturer/Consultant at QUB, has a rich NHS background, focusing on digital technology in healthcare. His notable roles include technology procurement for DoH and contributing to NHS Digital Academy. Dr. Quinn’s practical approach fueled his interest in how real-world data enhances healthcare delivery. In September 2022, he founded Round Safely, marking his dedication to advancing digital solutions in healthcare.
