Jack Gleeson Appointed Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at UCC
The Associate Professor of Medical Oncology is the first of two academic oncologist posts to be appointed at UCC thanks to support from UPMC.
University College Cork (UCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Jack Gleeson as the new Associate Professor of Medical Oncology, the first of two Oncology professorships funded by UPMC, in collaboration with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). A UCC alumnus, Professor Gleeson graduated from Medicine in 2012 before completing his medical oncology training with Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and undertaking a fellowship in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. He has worked as a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Cork University Hospital and The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
Speaking about his appointment, Professor Gleeson said: “I am honoured and delighted to return to UCC and take up this role which will expand collaborative cancer research opportunities between UCC and regional and national cancer centers, with the goal of bringing scientific advances to patients with cancer.”
With cancer accounting for approximately 30% of deaths in Ireland each year, research into new diagnostic and treatment options is of urgent need. Professor Gleeson’s research is centred around patients and aims to predict how they respond to treatment, how effective those treatments are, and how genetics influence cancer. His studies have concentrated on kidney, testicular, and brain cancer, along with post-treatment care (survivorship). He is also dedicated to devising new treatments for challenging cancers like Glioblastoma (GBM) that currently have no cure.
Professor Roisin Connolly, Director of Cancer Research @UCC said: “The relationship between UCC and UPMC, and the support received for academic oncology positions, is paramount to developing a cancer research ecosystem that enables efficient and innovative collaboration between our university researchers and our healthcare systems; with patient benefit front and foremost. We are excited that Professor Gleeson has joined our team and anticipate ongoing expansion of our clinical and translational cancer research portfolio and collaborative opportunities with his arrival.”
The next lecture in the CoMH Philanthropic Lecture Series, taking place on Friday 10 May, will feature Professor Gleeson as he gives the UPMC lecture on “Future Cancer Medicine: Bridging the Academic/Clinical Interface”. Learn more and register for this event here.
The announcement of Professor Gleeson’s appointment comes after a national and international recruitment effort and is reflective of UCC and UPMC’s commitment to establishing a collaborative research environment across the South of Ireland, providing greater access to clinical trials for patients, and embedding cutting-edge research in clinical care.
Mary Hickey, Director of Oncology Services for UPMC in Ireland, said “The team at UPMC is thrilled to announce the appointment of Professor Jack Gleeson as Associate Professor of Medical Oncology. It is a significantly positive step that will support collaborative expertise between healthcare and academia, with the ultimate goal of progress and improvements to treatments and cures for cancer patients in Ireland and beyond. UPMC is committed to partnering with organisations and academic institutions to further expand access to high-quality healthcare. I am certain this partnership will support the delivery of life-changing cancer research in Ireland, improving cancer care for patients and their families.” This collaboration with UPMC is as a result of the ambitious UCC Futures initiative that strives to bring the best and brightest research leaders to UCC and develop excellence in collaborative research.
The appointment of the Associate Professor in Medical Oncology, funded by UPMC, is backed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and will support research collaboration between UCC, CUH, the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Pittsburgh.