David and Laura Qualter of Galway-based Prospect Films chosen to make the 10th CÚRAM/ Ardán Science on Screen Research Documentary that will explore the impact of clinical trials in Ireland. 

2025 marks the 10th year of Science on Screen, a partnership between CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway, and Ardán. For the tenth film, Ardán and CÚRAM have teamed up with the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network who have received funding from the Health Research Board to make a film – with a budget of €40,000 – about clinical trials and how they can impact on Irish society.  

Director David Qualter and producer Laura Qualter of Galway-based Prospect Films have been chosen as the recipient of the commission to make this half-hour documentary. 

“We are honoured and excited to receive the commission to produce the 10th Science on Screen documentary. Through our contributors, we hope to show the value and life changing effects of public patient interaction in the clinical research of diabetes.” Laura & David Qualter, Prospect Films 

Irish Clinical Trials & Research Explored 

The work of the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network has seen trials undertaken in the areas of gestational diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The film will speak with the clinicians including Prof. Fidelma Dunne and Dr. Christine Newman and those involved in the clinical trial network. It will show the important work going on behind the scenes to help improve the lives of those who have diabetes and to explain the role and benefits of Public Patient Involvement (PPI) in clinical trials. It will also look at people living with diabetes, as well as those caring for people with diabetes, and those who have completed or are thinking about taking part in clinical trials. 

“Congrats to David and Laura on this commission. Clinical trials and PPI’s role in this area is of huge importance nationally and to CÚRAM and we are looking forward to the finished film – just in time for the celebration of 10 years of Science on Screen.” Professor Abhay Pandit, Director, CÚRAM 

Promoting Public Patient Involvement 

The goal of the documentary will also be to engage more people in clinical trials, by showing how they work and how they benefit people. Collaboration is a vital part of scientific research with the patient voice or PPI becoming increasingly crucial in informing how research occurs. This collaborative spirit underpins the work of Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network which aims to improve health and wellbeing for all patients with diabetes on the island of Ireland. In addition to changing how research is done, PPI involvement is also crucial to deciding what research is done.  

Ten Years of Science on Screen 

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. Previous documentaries made for Ardán/ CÚRAM’s Science on Screen Programme include topics such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and cardiovascular research.  These have been broadcast on RTÉ and TG4, screened at numerous international film festivals, reached audiences of 2 million globally, and garnered 6 international awards. These documentaries have started conversations about the role of science in our lives at screenings hosted at schools, community events, and academic conferences. 

Past recipients of the Science on Screen Documentary Commission include Mia Mullarkey, Alice McDowell, James Ryan, Paul Webster, Anna and Hugh Rodgers, Zlata Filipovic, Ronan Cassidy, Luke Brabazon, Karen Coleman, Leeona Duff, Ciaran O Connor, Maria O’ Neill and Tiernan Williams. Read about Luke Brabazon’s experience and trip to DocUtah 2024 here.   

“It’s fantastic to have Laura and David on board for the tenth Science on Screen documentary, as we celebrate ten years of working with CÚRAM. This filmmaking team will no doubt highlight the heart and the hard work that goes into the clinical trial research in Ireland today.” Alan Duggan, Ardán 

ENDS 

For more information contact: 

Kathryn Reynolds 

Comms, Marketing & PR Executive, Ardán 

kathryn@ardan.ie 

087 6036452 

Notes for Editors: 

About Prospect Films 

Prospect films are a husband-and-wife team, made up of director David Qualter and producer Laura Qualter. David has over 15 years’ experience in video production, film, and television, having worked across Ireland and internationally. Laura, with a background in English, Psychology and Neuropharmacology, spent several years working in the medical device industry before following a long-standing passion for film. Laura began working with David as an editor and co-producer, and their creative partnership led to the founding of their film production company, Prospect Films. Based in Connemara in the west of Ireland, they offer story-driven, professional video and documentary production services. 

About Science on Screen 

Science on Screen facilitates, promotes and increases the inclusion of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) content in Irish film and TV production. The partnership began in 2015 with CÚRAM funding documentary filmmaking and providing access to leading scientists to explore methods of scientific ‘storytelling’ and to produce short films that incorporate current research at CÚRAM and its partners. 

To date, eight Science on Screen films have been produced with a ninth to be completed by March 2025. These have been broadcast on RTÉ and TG4, screened at numerous international film festivals and have scooped 6 international awards. The documentaries are used throughout the country at schools, for community screenings as well as at academic conferences and have reached an audience of nearly 1.5 million people.  

About CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices 

CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices is funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, and is headquartered at University of Galway. It’s partner institutes include; University College Cork (UCC), University College Dublin (UCD), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University of Limerick (UL), Dublin City University (DCU), National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT),  Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin).  

CÚRAM’s research specialises in the creation and translation of clinic-ready and patient-focused medical devices to improve quality of life for patients living with chronic diseases. CÚRAM has emerged as a global leader in medical device research, revolutionising healthcare and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, patients and healthcare professionals.  

It is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with chronic illness. To achieve this, the Centre’s scientific programme addresses significant issues, technical hurdles, and the existing limitations pertaining to medical device design and functionalization. With a committed funding of over €270 million, CÚRAM excels in its capacity to foster collaborative networks that aim to develop solutions for global health challenges.  

For more visit Www.curamdevices.ie 

@CURAMdevices @uniofGalway @researchirel 

About Ardán 

Ardán (meaning platform or stage in Irish) is a registered charity based in the CREW Enterprise and Innovation Hub, Wellpark Road, Galway city, and operating in the West of Ireland and beyond. We support creatives in the audio-visual industry, in film, TV, games, and animation, through funding, training, and events, and by providing opportunities for entry, emerging, and established individuals working in the screen sector.   

Previously Galway Film Centre, Ardán rebranded in 2022 to reflect the broader geographic and sectoral focus of the organisation which includes the greater Western Region and newer industry sectors including games and animation.   

Within its screen talent development remit, Ardán manages the Galway UNESCO City of Film designation, WRAP (Western Region Audio Visual Producers’ Fund), the National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama, the annual FÍS TV and Games Summits (FÍS means screen in Irish), and Ardán is the Chair of the Western AV Forum collective. 

Ardán also co-manages several other funding and training opportunities including the CÚRAM Science on Screen Documentary and Animation Commission, the RTÉ Short Film Commission, the national Digital Games Portfolio with Imirt, Innovative Gamified Solutions (IGS), and much more. 

More info: www.ardan.ie 

Social media: @ardan_ie 

Email: info@ardan.ie