October ‘Counter Attack’ Commissioned as the 2024 CÚRAM/ Ardán Science on Screen Documentary
2024 Science on Screen Research Documentary commissioned by CÚRAM and Ardán to be made by Tiernan Williams and Maria O’Neill with Dr. Niamh Hynes
Scientific research thrives on a multi-disciplinary approach where combining knowledge from many fields deepens our understanding of many global health issues. Cardiovascular disease is one of these issues and will be the subject of ‘Counter Attack’, the 2024 Science on Screen Documentary commissioned by CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway and Ardán.
‘Counter Attack’ – to be directed by Tiernan Williams and produced by Maria O’Neill of Cluster Fox Films – will look at the work of vascular surgeon, Dr. Niamh Hynes. In collaboration with teams in CÚRAM and internationally, Dr. Hynes focusses her research on the body’s largest artery – the aorta.
Dr. Hynes’ research looks at predicting when the aorta will rupture and, using AI and machine learning, the building of digital twins of aortas to understand the rupture process. Dr. Hynes, who likens her work to ‘plumbing’, is a funded investigator in CÚRAM where cardiovascular research is a key priority. Elevating the voice of the end-user – the patient – in research is becoming more and more crucial, and this documentary will also include the input of musician Frankie Lane, who recovered from a heart attack after three attempts at CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation.
Cluster Fox Films will receive funding of €40,000 to make ‘Counter Attack’ which will commence production in October 2024 and will be launched in April 2025.
This is the ninth documentary produced as part of CÚRAM’s Science on Screen partnership with Ardán. Since Science on Screen began in 2016, the films have reached over 1.5 million viewers, with many TV broadcasts on RTÉ and TG4 and international festival screenings and awards.
The scheme was founded to explore the stories behind science and to facilitate, promote and increase the inclusion of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) content in Irish film and TV production. Past recipients of the Science on Screen Documentary Commission have included Mia Mullarkey, Alice McDowell, James Ryan, Paul Webster, Anna and Hugh Rodgers, Zlata Filipovic, Ronan Cassidy, Luke Brabazon, Karen Coleman and Leeona Duff.
CÚRAM’s public engagement programme supports the strategic goal of ‘Science for Everyone’, to connect the Irish public and patients with its research and to inspire future generations on the value and importance of medical device research for society.
“Our award-winning Science on Screen programme continues to demonstrate the impact of our research in the field of medical devices, and the significant contribution of public and patient involvement. Science on Screen has brought the stories of Irish research to a global audience, and we are excited to see where this film will go.” – Professor Abhay Pandit, Director of CÚRAM
“We’re thrilled to have been chosen for this year’s Science on Screen commission. We look forward to collaborating closely with both Árdan and CÚRAM in creating an impactful story that will resonate with audiences.” – Maria O’ Neill and Tiernan Williams, Cluster Fox Pictures
“Ardán has collaborated with the team at CÚRAM for a decade now on the Science on Screen initiative, to facilitate more accessible STEM content in Irish media. This partnership has expanded in scope over the years, with award-winning documentaries and engaging, high-end animations being produced. This content has been a vital tool in teaching medical professionals, engaging with patients, applying for research funding, and increasing awareness in society around the important work undertaken by CÚRAM for the future of medicine. We have great expectations for this next Commission, an exciting new research documentary produced and directed by Maria O’Neill and Tiernan Williams and based on the research of Dr. Niamh Hynes.” – Alan Duggan – CEO at Ardán
Further Links:
#ScienceonScreenIreland
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About Science on Screen
Science on Screen is a partnership project run by CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices funded through Research Ireland, (formerly Science Foundation Ireland) at University of Galway & Ardán. The partnership began in 2016 and aims to facilitate, promote and increase the inclusion of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) content in Irish film and TV production through the production of documentary films that incorporate current research at CÚRAM and its partners.