Professor Leonie Young, RCSI Department of Surgery, has been named winner of the Women in STEM Award for Science at the annual Business Post Women in STEM Awards.

An internationally recognised leader in breast cancer research, Professor Young has founded clinical trials, driven research innovation and formed a spinout company to advance understanding of breast cancer and improve outcomes for patients.

Her team at the RCSI Endocrine Oncology Research Group is exploring metastatic breast cancer (particularly brain metastasis) and working on collaborative international networks to accelerate the discovery of new treatments. The group has a specific focus on how certain cell networks cause breast cancer to stop responding to treatments like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. By studying these networks, the group aims to find markers that can predict when resistance might occur, and importantly, discover new therapeutic targets.

As Scientific Director for the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, Professor Young leads the team in integrating clinical care, research and education. Under her oversight, the Centre achieved accreditation from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, reinforcing its status as a leading institution delivering high-quality cancer care underpinned by robust research.

She contributed to the establishment of the Breast Cancer Biobank at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre. This national resource for tissue, blood samples and clinical data supports translational and clinical research.

Targeted treatments

Professor Young is also Programme Director of PRISM – a multi-million-euro initiative aiming to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer. This pioneering four-year initiative, funded by Breast Cancer Ireland, Carrick Therapeutics, and the Research Ireland Strategic Partnership Programme, represents a significant advancement in the fight against advanced breast cancer.

Her research led to the establishment of RCSI spin-out company Probmet, a precision oncology therapeutics company that is developing targeted treatments for breast cancer brain metastatic patients.

Making the award to Professor Young, the judging panel said: “Leonie is a globally recognised researcher who has founded groundbreaking longitudinal breast cancer clinical trials, led large-scale research grants, started successful spinout companies, and mentored and developed early career researchers. Leonie not only represents world-class research but also potential healthcare impact for millions of women.”

Improving patient care

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, congratulated Professor Young: “We are immensely proud of Professor Young’s achievement and the recognition it brings to the world-leading cancer research taking place at RCSI.

“Her dedication to understanding treatment resistance and advancing new therapies is driving improvements in patient care and outcomes. This award is a testament to her leadership, her innovation, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists.”

The Business Post Women in STEM Awards 2025 celebrate and recognise the incredible achievements and innovations of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Ireland. The Women in STEM Award for Science is sponsored by Grant Thornton Ireland.