Four research fellows and four prostate cancer researchers will use the funds for new research projects in leukaemia, cancer involving the lungs, breasts, ovaries and prostate, as well as colorectal, oesophageal and metastatic cancers.

More specifically, one Irish research project to benefit from the funds aims to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients.

Cancer remains a major cause of death and disease in Ireland, according to the Irish Cancer Society. More than 30,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year.