william gallagher

William (right) hails from the Deise, Waterford. He is a hurling enthusiast, supporting the Blue and White through both ups and downs. His loves to play tennis, having taken it recently back up after playing as a youth (over garden fences or whatever barrier was around!). He loves listening to history podcasts – the gorier the story the better. William is surrounded by a busy family of three children from 14-24 and is supported by his tireless wife, Catherine. He loves the seaside and cutting hedges.

William is a Full Professor of Cancer Biology in the UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science. William is also Deputy Director of Precision Oncology Ireland, a nationwide Strategic Partnership Programme funded by Science Foundation Ireland focused on developing better treatment strategies and diagnostics for cancer patients. He is also co-lead of an emerging virtual institute (All-Island Cancer Research Institute) that aims to bring together cancer researchers across the island of Ireland within an overarching research programme.

William’s main interest in research lies in identifying markers in a person’s blood that gives us more information about their cancer. These are called cancer biomarkers, and can help inform us about the severity or type of cancer a person has, and also which cancer drugs might work best for them. He is also very interested in helping move new discoveries in the lab into clinical settings where they can actually help people. William recognises the importance of public accessibility of science, and has participated in many school visits and outreach events. His passion project has been the organisation of the Choirs for Cancer event, which has brought choirs from around Ireland and further afield together to raise awareness for cancer.

“Disclaimer: This fly-on-the-wall video was recorded while capturing audio conversions between artist and researcher / patient advocates about the selected objects. While not originally part of the exhibition concept, this unedited record of their interaction gives a flavour of the creative process in this project ”  

object

card

This is a Thank You card I received after doing a school visit to my eldest daughter’s class in school when she was about 6 or 7, over 15 years ago. I was asked to come to the school for science week and give a talk. I decided to make it a bit more fun and brought some liquid nitrogen and a few other ‘sciencey’ things (to do some experiments). The kids loved it, especially when I pretended to freeze my gloved hand in nitrogen and smashed my ‘frozen finger’ (aka pork sausage) with a hammer! I was treated like royalty afterwards and it reminds me of the fun that science can create. 

card

This is a Thank You card I received after doing a school visit to my eldest daughter’s class in school when she was about 6 or 7, over 15 years ago. I was asked to come to the school for science week and give a talk. I decided to make it a bit more fun and brought some liquid nitrogen and a few other ‘sciencey’ things (to do some experiments). The kids loved it, especially when I pretended to freeze my gloved hand in nitrogen and smashed my ‘frozen finger’ (aka pork sausage) with a hammer! I was treated like royalty afterwards and it reminds me of the fun that science can create. 

patient advocate

tom  hope

Originally from Loughrea, Co Galway, Tom now lives in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, with his wife Kitty, and the family pets, Molly a 15 month Shih Tzu and Lucy the cat. Tom is a retired accountant and father of three. He likes to walk and do some vegetable gardening.

View more about Tom

tom  hope

Originally from Loughrea, Co Galway, Tom now lives in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, with his wife Kitty, and the family pets, Molly a 15 month Shih Tzu and Lucy the cat. Tom is a retired accountant and father of three. He likes to walk and do some vegetable gardening.

View more about Tom