The Irish Cancer Society has allocated €7.5 million in funding to set up a Collaborative Cancer Research Centre in Ireland.

€1.5 million in funding will be allocated per year, for up to five years, under the initiative.

The centre aims to stimulate collaboration and enable sharing of resources, by linking already-established cancer research disciplines and institutions in Ireland. 

It is expected the new arrangement will provide a solid foundation for better integration of cancer research and cancer care in Ireland, for the benefit of the public and patients, according to the Cancer Society.

It says it is expected the new model will provide a solid foundation for better integration of cancer research and cancer care in Ireland, for the benefit of the public and patients.

"The Irish Cancer Society believes the future of cancer research in Ireland is best served by collaboration, not only between institutions, but also between research disciplines," said Prof John Fitzpatrick, head of research at the Society.

The Irish Cancer Society is also calling on existing cancer research groups throughout Ireland, interested in collaboration, to make a joint pre-proposal submission by October 26.