About the Award: The EONS Major Research Grant has been established to enable a European oncology nurse researcher qualified to at least Master’s Degree level, to undertake a substantial research project which will have an impact on practice in at least one European country. The aims of the project should fit with the research priorities of the European Oncology Nursing Society.

Recipient: Vicky Cleary

Vicki Cleary is currently employed as a Gynaecology Oncology Liaison Nurse at Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland. She graduated from University College Cork (IE) in 2007 with a degree in general nursing and has worked in a variety of areas since then, including general gynaecology, fertility and gynaecologic oncology.

In 2008 Vicki undertook a research Masters focused on exploring the sexuality of women following gynaecological cancer diagnosis. Findings highlighted the potential negative impact of gynaecological cancer and its treatment on sexuality. Furthermore, results of this research reinforced the need for healthcare professionals to address the important topic of sexuality with patients throughout their cancer journey. Thus stemmed the impetus for Vicki to commence her doctoral studies in 2009.
 
Vicki’s PhD research focused on the development and pilot testing of educational intervention to address the sexuality of women with gynaecological cancer.  She was awarded the European Oncology Nursing Society’s Major Research Grant in 2010 to fund this project, which was completed in 2012. She graduated from University College Cork in 2013 with a PhD in Medicine and Health.

Vicki has been published in a variety of peer reviewed journals and presented at both national and international conferences. She is also a member of the European Academy of Nursing Science.