Trinity College Dublin Lights Up in Support of Palliative Care Week 2026
Posted on: 07 September 2026
This year's Palliative Care Week theme, "It's Not What You Think", seeks to challenge misconceptions about palliative care and encourage greater awareness of the role it plays in supporting people living with life-limiting illness, as well as their families and carers.
Trinity College Dublin will illuminate its historic campus today Monday, 7 September 2026 in support of Palliative Care Week 2026, demonstrating the University's commitment to advancing research, education and public understanding of palliative care across Ireland and beyond.
Palliative Care Week, coordinated by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC), runs from 6 to 12 September 2026. This year's theme, "It's Not What You Think", seeks to challenge misconceptions about palliative care and encourage greater awareness of the role it plays in supporting people living with life-limiting illness, as well as their families and carers.
As a founding member of AIIHPC, Trinity College Dublin has played a significant role in shaping palliative care research, education, policy and clinical practice on an all-island basis. Through its participation in AIIHPC Palliative Care Research Network (PCRN) and Early Career Researcher Forum (ECRF), Trinity researchers collaborate with healthcare professionals, policymakers and community partners on research that aims to improve care and quality of life for people with life-limiting conditions.
Research Making a Difference
Trinity researchers are currently leading and contributing to a wide range of pioneering palliative care studies that address some of the most important challenges facing patients, families and healthcare systems.
Among the University's major research initiatives is a €400,000 Trinity Research Doctorate Group-based Project led by Dr Geraldine Foley (School of Medicine), examining decision-making for people with advanced illness. The project is supporting four interdisciplinary PhD researchers and brings together expertise from occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy and other health disciplines to better understand how patients and families navigate complex healthcare decisions.
Trinity researchers have also secured funding to investigate decision-making among people with cancer receiving palliative care. This work aims to deepen understanding of how patients, families and clinicians make important treatment and care decisions and how these processes can be improved.
The University is also leading nationally important research into the delivery of out-of-hours palliative care. The HOME Study, led by Dr Bridget Johnston (School of Nursing & Midwifery), will inform the development of a model of care for out-of-hours community-based specialist palliative care in Ireland, through stakeholder engagement and consensus on recommendations. The study received €175,000 in funding from the Health Service Executive and is helping to improve access to palliative care.
Trinity researchers are active contributors to broader all-island research programmes designed to support implementation of Ireland's National Adult Palliative Care Policy. These initiatives bring together universities, government departments, healthcare providers and funding agencies to strengthen research capacity and improve evidence-based care across the island.
The University's expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, public health, health economics and health policy. Researchers are addressing topics such as decision-making, children's palliative care, dementia and palliative care, technology-enabled care, psychological and spiritual wellbeing, and reducing inequalities experienced by underserved populations.
Education and Professional Development
Trinity's commitment to palliative care extends beyond research. Students across the Faculty of Health Sciences learn about palliative care during their undergraduate education and gain experience through clinical placements with healthcare partners. The University's School of Nursing & Midwifery also delivers a Master's programme in Palliative Care in partnership with St. Francis Hospice, supporting healthcare professionals to develop advanced expertise in the field.
Dr Bridget Johnston, Assistant Professor in Health Research, Trinity College Dublin and Trinity’s Representative on the AIIHPC Council of Partners said:
“By lighting up the campus in the colours of AIIHPC during Palliative Care Week, Trinity aims to show solidarity with people living with serious illness, their families, carers and healthcare professionals, while supporting wider public conversations about the importance of palliative care.
Palliative care is not solely about end-of-life care. It focuses on improving quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, helping people live as fully and comfortably as possible throughout their illness journey.
The illumination also reflects Trinity's strategic commitment to creating positive societal impact through research, education and public engagement, aligning with the University's vision to advance knowledge that supports individuals, communities and society.”
Karen Charnley, CEO, AIIHPC said:
"We deeply value our long-standing partnership with Trinity College Dublin, a relationship that has been central to the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care's journey since its inception. Over many years, Trinity has been a key collaborator in advancing education, research and awareness of palliative care across the island of Ireland.
Palliative Care Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the difference palliative care makes in the lives of people living with serious illness, as well as their families and carers. We are delighted that Trinity College Dublin is supporting this year's campaign by lighting up its iconic building. This greatly helps acknowledge the importance of palliative care and encourages vital conversations about the positive impact it has on people’s lives.”
ENDS