UK cancer organisations merge in new initiative
Published: 2-Mar-2002
A new cancer research organisation, Cancer Research UK, has been launched with an investment programme of £75m (€122.77m) – the biggest research initiative in Britain for 50 years.
Formed by the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and Imperial Cancer Research Fund, the new organisation will set up or expand several research institutes and establish a fast-track collaboration with the National Cancer Institute in the United States.
There are five projects in the programme:
A £40m (€65.47m) state-of-the-art research institute in Cambridge, employing 300 researchers. This will be a joint project with the University of Cambridge.A £15m (€24.55m) population research institute in Oxford to study the prevention and control of cancer and other killer diseases. This is a joint initiative with Oxford University and the British Heart Foundation.A new £11m (€18m) research centre – the Northern Institute for Cancer Research – in Newcastle, in partnership with government, the Foundation For Children With Leukaemia and Newcastle University, to focus on the development of new anti-cancer drugs.An expansion of the Beatson Cancer Research Institute in Glasgow.A new contract with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in America to exchange resources, share best practice and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information on cancer research. Cancer Research UK has also set out its six primary aims from the merger:
To fast-track treatments to the market by sharing high tech equipment and facilities, collaborating more effectively and extending its network of clinical trials.To cut numbers of people getting cancer by researching the causes of cancer, and introducing effective lifestyle advice, screening, preventative drugs and vaccines.To bring better therapies by funding innovative research into treatments that are targeted to thetumour and tailored to the individual.To train more cancer doctors, nurses and scientists for research by tailoring training programmes to the needs of young researchers and providing attractive career options.To be the authoritative source of information and empower patients to take informed, up-to-date decisions about their treatment.To maximise cancer research resources by pooling together best practice, extending activities overseas and exerting more influence on national and international governments.With an annual scientific budget in excess of £130m (€212.77m) and a team of 3,000 researchers, doctors and nurses in Britain's leading universities, hospitals and research institutes, Cancer Research UK will be the world's largest independent cancer research organisation in the world.
