Giordani Group Researchers Shine at the 2026 Irish Neuro-Oncology Society Meeting!


The Giordani Group was delighted to participate in the 2026 Irish Neuro-Oncology Society (INOS) Meeting, held on 21 August 2026 at Trinity College Dublin. The meeting brought together researchers from across Ireland to share exciting developments in brain tumour research, foster collaboration, and highlight emerging approaches in neuro-oncology.

Representing the Giordani Group, Merrella Chaz Karaan currently a research assistant with us delivered a great talk on Near infrared BODIPY dyes for the labelling of carbon nano-onions , showcasing the group’s ongoing research. The presentation sparked lively discussions and a number of engaging questions from the audience, highlighting the impact and interest of the research.

 Merrella Chaz Karaan delivered a great talk on Near infrared BODIPY dyes for the labelling of carbon nano-onions
Merrella Chaz Karaan delivered a great talk on Near infrared BODIPY dyes for the labelling of carbon nano-onions

The group was also represented by PhD researchers Soumakanya Ram (2nd year) and Manikrishna Lakavathu (1st year), who presented engaging posters highlighting their ongoing research. Their presentations provided an opportunity to discuss their work with researchers from different disciplines and to exchange ideas on the development of novel approaches for cancer research.

 2nd year PhD student Soumakanya Ram presented a poster on her latest research
2nd year PhD student Soumakanya Ram presented a poster on her latest research

1st year PhD student  Manikrishna Lakavathu  presented a poster on his latest research
1st year PhD student Manikrishna Lakavathu presented a poster on his latest research

The meeting provided a valuable platform for the Giordani Group to share our research in cancer therapy with the wider Irish neuro-oncology community. It was also an excellent opportunity to engage with researchers and clinicians working in the field, exchange ideas, and build new connections.

Merrella Karaan
Merrella Karaan
Research Assistant
Manikrishna Lakavathu
Manikrishna Lakavathu
PhD Student

Manikrishna Lakavathu is currently a 1st year PhD student in the group of Prof. Silvia Giordani at Dublin City University, supported by her Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme Award (2/FFP-A/11067) and the DCU Co-Fund programme.

Soumakanya Ram
Soumakanya Ram
PhD Student

Soumakanya Ram is currently a 2nd year PhD student in the group of Prof. Silvia Giordani at Dublin City University, supported by her Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme Award (2/FFP-A/11067).

Silvia Giordani
Silvia Giordani
Full Professor Chair of Nanomaterials

My research interests are in the design, synthesis, and characterization of hybrid smart nanomaterials for biomedical, energy and environmental applications