27 August, 2026
Trinity St James's Comprehensive Cancer Institute (TSJCI) is delighted to announce that Dr Tim Nugent has been appointed the inaugural recipient of the Ireland Funds Trinity St James's Global Fellowship, an international research opportunity that will see him undertake advanced surgical oncology and translational cancer research at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
Supported by The Ireland Funds Australia, the fellowship represents a significant collaboration between TSJCI and one of Australia's leading comprehensive cancer centres, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing cancer research, education, clinical excellence and patient outcomes through international collaboration.
Dr Nugent is currently a specialist trainee in general surgery with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and works within the upper gastrointestinal surgery service at St James's Hospital. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin and current MD candidate in surgical oncology, he has established an impressive research profile, co-authoring more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and contributing to major national and international cancer research collaborations, including randomised controlled trials. His work has focused on gastrointestinal cancers, tumour biology and translational oncology.
Through the fellowship, Dr Nugent will spend time at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, building on his clinical and academic expertise while developing new international collaborations in surgical oncology research. The experience will provide an opportunity to bring new knowledge, skills and research partnerships back to Ireland, helping to further strengthen cancer research and patient care.
Professor Michael Kelly, Chair of Surgery at Trinity College Dublin, welcomed the announcement "Programmes like this provide a unique opportunity to develop international collaborations and conduct advanced clinical research to improve treatment stratification and patient outcomes for those undergoing cancer care. We are extremely grateful to The Ireland Funds Australia for their support."
The fellowship marks an important milestone in strengthening research and clinical links between Ireland and Australia. It also reflects the growing importance of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre model, which brings together research, education, innovation and patient-centred care to accelerate improvements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
As Ireland's first OECI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centre, TSJCI is committed to fostering international partnerships that enhance research, education and clinical innovation. By supporting opportunities such as the Ireland Funds Trinity St James's Global Fellowship, TSJCI aims to develop future cancer leaders while creating enduring collaborations that will benefit researchers, healthcare professionals and, ultimately, patients.