Dr. Laura Barkley

Dr Laura Barkley, a Cancer Biologist working at NUI Galway, has used her thirst for knowledge and her desire to embrace transnational, international, intersectorial and interdisciplinary mobility to shape her career.

Currently, Laura is a principal investigator leading a patient-focused research program to understand the role of tumour stromal cells in solid tumours. Tumour stromal cells are an important component of tumours. They promote growth and spread of cancer and stop immune cells from attacking tumours.

"I have a strong interest and background in drug development and cancer biology. I originally did a pharmacology degree in Manchester (BSc) and I have a PhD in Cancer Biology from University College London, before taking up a FAMRI fellowship at Boston University. I have gained valuable experience working with major pharma companies including Glaxo and Zeneca and I am now delighted to devote my work full-time on cancer research at NUI Galway."

In order to carryout her research Dr. Barkley has obtained national, SFI, HRB, IRC, ICS and international funding, Breast Cancer Now (UK), Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute (US). Additionally she has developed multi-disciplinary collaborative networks that include Prof Cyrus Vaziri (US), Prof Michael Kerin (IRE) and Orbsen Therapeutics Ltd (SME).

Dr. Barkley has recently published her work in International Journal of Cancer: