Professor Leonie Young founded the Endocrine Oncology Research Group in RCSI, which is focused on uncovering networks involved in SRC mediated resistance to both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer. The aim of this research is to identify markers to predict endocrine sensitivity and importantly develop new therapeutic targets. The group has capitalized on their established strengths in translational research, in particular making use of primary breast cell cultures derived from patient tumours and large clinical datasets.

In 2010, Professor Young co-founded the National Breast Cancer Bioresource, which was established to standardise the collection of breast cancer material for the designated cancer hospitals throughout Ireland. To date, in collaboration with ICORG, the Breast Cancer Bioresource has collected over 1,000 fresh frozen and serum samples from patients with corresponding clinical data. As part of BREAST-PREDICT, this resource will be consolidated with other complementary resources to create an Integrated National Breast Cancer Database. Professor Young also co-ordinates a Marie Curie FP7 IAPP award in collaboration with ALMAC Group, called EndoPredict, which aims to commercially develop breast cancer biomarkers patented by RCSI.