Cancer research centre to be built in Belfast

Brussels, 15 Oct 2004

The UK is providing 30 million euro to build a new centre for cancer research and cell biology at Queen's University in Belfast, making Northern Ireland one of Europe's leaders in the fight against cancer.

The centre will focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer by investigating the causes of the disease.

'The creation of a world-class centre for cancer research and cell biology, recognised as a flagship by the international scientific community, will ensure that Queen's and Northern Ireland contribute in a strategically important way to future UK and international research initiatives in cancer,' said Professor Peter Gregson, Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University.

This centre, which will complement the new clinical cancer centre at Belfast City hospital, will be one of the first to bring together so many disciplines, including chemistry, mathematics, clinical trials, immunology and virology, pharmacy and cell biology.

'The availability of leading edge clinical and basic research in close proximity will lead the way as a new approach to cancer research and have impact in other areas of clinical medicine,' said Queen's University.

Commenting on the new centre, Cancer Research UK Chief Executive Professor Alex Markham said: 'Many of the biggest scientific advances come about when ideas from quite distinct areas of research are brought together. This new centre will enable unprecedented interaction between leading Northern Ireland cancer scientists and doctors from across the spectrum of research into the disease. The centre's creation will be a catalyst both for generating new cancer therapies and for getting them to patients as quickly as possible.'

'It will also create the perfect environment in which to train the next generation of leaders in cancer research,' Professor Markham added.

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities
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