Beyond the laboratory, our researchers give their time to share science with the public — from primary schools to patient advocacy events. Here are some of the ways the CROSS team has been engaging communities.
In schools and with young scientists
- Science Week with TAP Primary students — TTMI at St James’s Hospital welcomed students from Our Lady of Lourdes, Inchicore, to explore infection and immunity, led by Dr Laura Kane, Ms Joyce Barry and Dr Eimear Mylod of the Irish Immunology Outreach Committee.
- Inaugural Immuno-Anatomy event — a joint venture between the Irish Society of Immunology Outreach Committee and TCD Anatomy, with Dr Laura Kane and Ms Joyce Barry, helping fifth-class students learn about blood, vital organs and the immune system.
- Halloween Science Camp — Dr Laura Kane and Dr Fiona O’Connell ran a hands-on STEM camp for the Junior Einsteins Science Club, inspiring a love of science in young learners.
Opening our doors to the public
- Breakthrough Cancer Research Open Evening 2025 — the Department of Surgery opens its laboratories to the public each year, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the research and the advanced equipment funded by CROSS.
- BCR Cancer Revolutions Exhibition — Mr David Hackett represented the team at St Stephen’s Green, alongside patient advocates.
- Cancer Conversations — part of Breakthrough Cancer Research’s pancreatic cancer series, where advocates Niall Rochford and Pamela Deasy shared their stories and researchers David Hackett and Prof. Stephen Maher discussed ongoing pancreatic cancer research at TTMI.
Patient and public involvement
- Musgrave PPI event, Cork (2023) — held at the River Lee Hotel, bringing together Musgrave scholars, researchers and supporters.
- Musgrave Gives Back Day (2024) — an outreach event at Páirc Uí Chaoimh with Musgrave scholars and the CROSS team.
You can also watch our researchers explain their work in our video collection, CROSS on film.
In the community
