Irish Psychosocial Oncology Network Conference 2026

IPSON’s third annual conference will take place on Thursday, March 19th. It will be a dynamic daylong event at the National College of Ireland (NCI) in Dublin. The theme of the conference is "Stories That Shape Us: Bridging Science and Humanity in Psychosocial Oncology". The comprehensive conference programme includes keynote talks, panel discussions and academic poster viewing sessions.

[Please note that there are also two post-conference workshops planned for 20th March in NCI; post-conference workshop registration is limited to 60 places per workshop and registration and further details are available through the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ipson-conference-2026-post-conference-workshops-tickets-1981943183414?aff=oddtdtcreator]

We are pleased to announce two exciting keynote speakers for the IPSON conference on 19th March:

Dearbhaile O’Hare, breast cancer survivor, author & advocate

Dearbhaile O’Hare is a breast cancer survivor, author and advocate who brings a powerful lived-experience perspective to psychosocial oncology. Diagnosed in 2021, she navigated intensive cancer treatment while prioritising emotional wellbeing through movement, reflection and creativity. Dearbhaile is the author of Things Went Tts Up*, a candid and compassionate collection of poetry and reflections, with all proceeds supporting cancer charities. A trained Cancer Exercise Specialist and former Marie Keating Foundation ambassador, she uses storytelling and advocacy to raise awareness, reduce isolation, and promote holistic survivorship and recovery

Laura Foran, MSW, RSW; Manager, CALM National Program

Laura Foran is a dedicated social worker and the Manager of the CALM (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully) National Program at the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (GIPPEC). In this role, she leads national efforts to implement CALM — an evidence-based psychosocial intervention designed to support individuals living with advanced cancer and their families by addressing emotional distress, communication challenges, relationships, and meaning in life. Through strategic program development, clinician training, and collaborative partnerships, Laura works to expand access to high-quality psychosocial care across cancer care settings, helping ensure that people affected by cancer receive integrated support that honours both their psychological and medical needs.

Limited tickets available - early registration is encouraged! Registration fee is non-refundable.

For questions or further details, email: ipsonconference@gmail.com

Getting to the National College of Ireland, Mayor Square, Dublin 1.

Please note that parking at NCI is very limited and it is recommended to travel by public transport. Further information on getting to NCI is available here: https://ncisupporthub.ncirl.ie/hc/en-ie/articles/6666959823388-How-do-I-get-to-NCI-campus#:~:text=You%20can%20travel%20to%20NCI,located%20across%20from%20Connolly%20station

Kindly supported by National College of Ireland and the National Cancer Control Programme

#IPSONconf2026

ipsonconference@gmail.com