English
Gaeilge
Veronica Cawley shares patient perspective in cancer research forum
ATU's Veronica Cawley shared her experience of myeloma and the importance of keeping patients at the centre of cancer research at Queen’s University Belfast.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) staff member Veronica Cawley brought a deeply personal patient perspective to a public science forum at Queen’s University Belfast. Her talk highlighted the human impact of advances in cancer treatment, artificial intelligence, and personalised medicine.
Veronica was invited to speak at the public discussion ‘Personalised Myeloma Therapy, AI and Systems Medicine’, organised by Dr Ian Overton and colleagues at Queen’s University Belfast.
The event brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, and members of the public to explore how emerging technologies and innovative treatment approaches are shaping the future of cancer care, particularly for people living with multiple myeloma.
Dr Ian Overton, Associate Professor of Bioinformatics at Queen’s University Belfast, said:
Veronica’s talk at the Myeloma Public Science Forum gave us real insight into her journey and priorities as a patient, I really appreciate her taking the time to speak so openly with us. My research group are integrating her perspectives, including around maintenance therapy, into our plans going forward.
Speaking from a patient perspective, Veronica shared her personal experience of living with myeloma, offering her account of the physical and emotional challenges associated with chemotherapy treatment and undergoing a stem cell transplant.
I was honoured to represent the patient perspective and to see HealthTech researchers, AI technologists, clinicians and patients coming together with a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes. It is good to know that personalised medicine and AI are helping shape a future where treatments are more effective and better tailored to each patient.”
Veronica Cawley, Research Administration Coordinator at ATU
Her contribution provided a powerful reminder of the realities cancer patients face and underscored the importance of ensuring that scientific advances remain focused on improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Addressing attendees, Veronica reflected on the significant impact treatment can have on patients and their families, while also expressing hope for the future as research continues to deliver new and more effective therapies.
The event forms part of wider efforts by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast to foster public engagement with science and encourage dialogue on how emerging technologies can support more personalised, effective, and compassionate healthcare systems.
Veronica Cawley is a staff member at ATU Sligo and a public figure in the Northwest. A former Mayor of Sligo and Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, she has spoken publicly about her own cancer journey. She has become a strong advocate for patient awareness, resilience, and hope.
Featured Image: Veronica Cawley, staff member at Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
For media enquiries, contact:
Jorden McMenamin
Communications Officer
Tel: 074 918 6127
E: jorden.mcmenamin@atu.ie
