Dr. Damir Varešlija is a Principal Investigator at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the co-founder and CTO of Probmet, a company dedicated to precision oncology therapeutics. With a specialized focus on breast cancer metastasis, Dr. Varešlija’s translational research emphasizes brain metastatic disease and the role of cellular plasticity in metastatic progression. His research has provided critical insights into genomic alterations and estrogen receptor pathway modulation, contributing to resistance in hormonal therapies. Dr. Varešlija’s research funding history is notable, with a total funding to date of approximately €2.1 million, of which €1.3 million has been secured as a lead Principal Investigator. His pioneering work in molecular profiling of brain metastases has redefined the understanding of the disease, leading to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Varešlija has also established Ireland’s first patient-derived metastatic breast cancer xenograft and organoid biobank.

Beyond his research, Dr. Varešlija is dedicated to enhancing the international reputation of Irish researchers. His group has organized international conferences and workshops on hormone-dependent cancer, fostering collaborations that have led to co-authored publications, fellowship transfers, and strategic positioning for the hosting institution and funding bodies. Notably, he has chaired the Steroid Cancer Conference in Dublin since 2018 and is a member of several scientific advisory boards, including Breast Cancer Now Tissue Access Committee, Breast Cancer Now Grant Scientific Committee and is the Breast Cancer Scientific Lead, Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre Breast Cancer Programme.