On Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability (TCAID) proudly hosted Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Cancer Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities — the first conference of its kind in Ireland and internationally. This landmark event focused on the urgent, under-researched intersection of cancer and intellectual disability, highlighting the significant health disparities faced by this population.

A new portrait of Professor Mary McCarron was unveiled this week by the Faculty of Health Sciences, who also presented her with the inaugural Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service to Health Sciences in recognition of her exceptional and sustained contributions to Health Sciences during the course of her professional career.

In April, we celebrated an extraordinary milestone, Bobby Power, from the Brothers of Charity Services, a remarkable man with Down syndrome, turned 70 years old. His life is a testament to resilience, love, and the changing landscape of healthcare and support for people with Down syndrome. Surrounded by family, friends, and a community that cherishes him, Bobby’s birthday bash was more than just a personal celebration; it was a moment of significance in the broader discourse on ageing and intellectual disability.

We are delighted to be recruiting a SPHeRE Scholar to join the CANDID 2 study at the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability. This exciting research builds upon existing work in cancer care, ageing, and intellectual disability, using a mixed-methods approach to investigate cancer experiences among older adults with intellectual disabilities.

Mei Lin Yap, our Ambassador Liaison Officer, shares her experience of being involved in research and how we have supported her in her journey. Mei Lin’s insights are a reminder of the importance of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in research – ensuring that those who are directly impacted have a voice in shaping studies that affect their lives.

To mark World Oral Health Day 2025, we’re proud to highlight the work of the oral health research team at TCAID. In close collaboration with the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH), the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, and our Keep My Teeth project partners, the team is leading innovative research that brings the voices and needs of people with intellectual disabilities into focus.