30 September 2025
To mark WorldHeartDay on September 29th, CÚRAM was delighted to partner with CROÍ to premiere the latest Science on Screen film, Counter Attack, at Croí House in Co. Galway.
Directed by Tiernan Williams and produced by Maria O’Neill of Cluster Fox Film, the film explores cardiovascular disease from the patient, researcher, paramedic and family perspective.The documentary also features CÚRAM’s researchers, including vascular surgeon Dr. Niamh Hynes who focusses on the body’s largest artery – the aorta. Her research looks at predicting if, and when an aortic rupture will happen and, using AI and machine learning, how we can build computer models or ‘digital twins’ of aortas to understand the rupture process.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion with all the film’s contributors and an audience Q&A, facilitated by Claire Riordan, CÚRAM’s Public and Patient Engagement lead.
“The Science on Screen documentaries have been such a powerful way to engage with our communities over the past ten years’ commented Prof Abhay Pandit, Foundng Director of CÚRAM. “Screening these films to audiences that include researchers, patients, family members and carers, industry partners as well as policy makers and clinicians brings everyone into the conversation, something that can only make our research stronger’ he explains.
Annie Costelloe, Head of Patient and Community Engagement at Croí, said: “World Heart Day is about raising awareness of heart health and inspiring action, and this year’s theme, #DontMissABeat,’ could not be more fitting. Screening ‘Counter Attack’ here at the Croí Heart and Stroke Centre allows us to bring a powerful real-life story to the community, highlighting both the urgency and the hope in tackling heart disease. It is a timely reminder that every beat matters, and that knowledge, support and early action can save lives.”
The film was produced under the Science on Screen Education and Public Engagement Programme, a partnership between CÚRAM and Ardán running since 2015. Previous films can be viewed at www.curamdevices.ie under the Public Engagement secion.
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