Leading Immunotherapy Expert Anna Olsson-Brown Appointed to Oncology Professorship

25 May 2026

Appointment follows Professor Jack Gleeson and marks completion of two UPMC-funded oncology professorships

On Thursday 21st of May, University College Cork (UCC) and HSE South West jointly announced the appointment of Professor Anna Olsson-Brown as the UPMC Professor of Cancer Clinical Trials, completing the recruitment of two oncology professorships funded by UPMC in collaboration with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

Her appointment follows that of Professor Jack Gleeson, significantly strengthening academic oncology capacity in Ireland. Professor Olsson-Brown is a Consultant in Medical Oncology with recognised expertise in the systemic treatment of skin cancers, immunotherapy toxicities, early phase clinical trials, and acute oncology. She joins from Sussex Cancer Centre, where she was Clinical Director for Clinical Cancer Services, and is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool.

Speaking following her appointment, Professor Olsson-Brown said: “I am delighted to join UCC and Cork University Hospital (CUH) at such an important time for cancer research and care in Ireland. This role provides a unique opportunity to further connect translational research with clinical delivery, and to build on strong collaborations across UCC, UPMC, and the wider health system to improve outcomes for patients.”

Cancer accounts for approximately 30% of all deaths in Ireland each year, underlining the need for continued investment in research, innovation, and access to clinical trials. This appointment further enhances UCC’s ability to deliver cutting-edge research and improved patient care in collaboration with regional healthcare partners.

An internationally recognised leader in immunotherapy toxicity, Professor Olsson-Brown previously held a Medical Research Council (MRC) fellowship, completing a PhD focused on the mechanisms underpinning immunotherapy-related side effects. She has published extensively in this area and has established pioneering immunotherapy toxicity services, integrating clinical care with translational research to support patients across both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Professor Helen Whelton, Head of College of Medicine & Health, University College Cork, Chief Academic Officer, HSE South West Region said: “On behalf of the College of Medicine and Health at UCC, I am deeply grateful to UPMC for its generous support of Professor Anna Olsson-Brown’s post, in partnership with the HSE/NCCP. This collaboration exemplifies the power of an Academic Health Sciences System, where universities, the health service and industry partners come together to deliver meaningful, real-world impact and, most importantly, improved patient care.”

Jennifer Kearney, CEO of Cork University Hospital, said: “We warmly welcome the appointment of Professor Anna Olsson-Brown to Consultant in Medical Oncology at CUH/UCC Cancer Centre Her expertise will enhance our ability to deliver innovative, patient-centred cancer care, and this milestone reflects the strength of our partnership with UCC and the wider health system as we work together to improve outcomes for patients across Ireland.”

Professor Roisin Connolly, Director of Cancer Research at UCC and Academic Director of the CUH/UCC Cancer Centre, said: “Professor Olsson-Brown’s appointment is a major addition to our growing cancer research community. Her expertise in immunotherapy, translational science and cancer clinical trials will accelerate our research ambitions and deepen collaboration between academic and clinical partners, with clear benefits for patients.”

Kerry Bryson, CEO of Cork University Foundation, commented: “At Cork University Foundation, we see this as a powerful endorsement of the vital role that research and innovation play in advancing cancer discovery and improving patient outcomes. This philanthropic investment will support the people, ideas, and pioneering research at University College Cork. We are immensely grateful to UPMC for their generous support.”

Welcoming the news, Mary Hickey, Director of Oncology Services for UPMC in Ireland, said: “With the appointments of Professor Gleeson and now Professor Olsson-Brown, we are seeing the real impact of this partnership with UCC. UPMC is proud to support initiatives that strengthen research capability, expand access to clinical trials, and ultimately improve outcomes for cancer patients across Ireland.”

The professorship is supported by  Health Service Executive (HSE) South West and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), and will strengthen collaboration between UCC, Cork University Hospital, and international partners including UPMC and UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre in Pittsburgh.

This forms part of UCC Futures, the University’s strategic initiative to attract world-leading researchers and build excellence in areas of global importance, including cancer research.

UPMC Lecture Recording