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.
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 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.
Professor Abhay Pandit, Director of CÚRAM said: “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.”
Wendy Landers, PPI Contributor said: “From the moment I heard about this project through the PPI Ignite Network, I knew I had to be part of it. It captures everything that’s powerful about meaningful collaboration—bringing together patient voices, research, and the art of film. I’m genuinely excited to see what our chosen filmmaker, David, will create. The Diabetes Collaborative CTN and Science on Screen initiative is setting a new standard for how we communicate and connect through storytelling. This project has the potential to change perceptions—not just among healthcare professionals, but also for patients, parents, caregivers, and families—by showing diabetes as it truly is, not just as it’s often misunderstood or perceived.”
The goal of the documentary will also be to engage more people in clinical trials, by showing how they work and benefit people. Collaboration is considered 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.
Filming will take place across Ireland over the summer. The announcement of its premiere will be before the end for 2025, correlating with Science on Screen’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Alan Duggan of Ardán said: “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.”
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.
