News releases
Unique Cancer Research Institute Opens at the University of Wales, Bangor
06 September 2004
A major new cancer research laboratory at the University of Wales, Bangor, financed by �3.5 million of private and public funding, is being officially opened today (Friday 23 July 2004). The North West Cancer Research Fund Institute at the University�s School of Biological Sciences will conduct fundamental research into the causes of cancer, and will make a significant contribution to cancer research in the UK.
Equipped to levels unparalleled in the UK, the Institute has already attracted cancer research specialists of international renown. Each of these scientists is to head a research team that will investigate different aspects of the fundamental molecular biology of cancer cells. The aim is to reach a better understanding of what factors cause basic changes to the genetic code that are the root cause of cancers.
The University aims to develop the Institute so that, when fully staffed, as many as 50 scientists will work in complementary research teams.�� The strategy is already paying off; with early success in attracting extra research funding that will allow the Institute to bring in additional researchers over the next few months. Research teams will work in close proximity to each other in large open-plan laboratories, leading to the sharing of ideas and expertise between groups and the generation of novel approaches for tackling cancer.
Greeting the opening of the new Institute, Professor Roy Evans said; �The opening of this Institute is an example of the very real way that fundamental research being carried out at universities such as Bangor can make a valuable contribution to the wider society. I am delighted that we have succeeded in creating such an excellent facility in Bangor� and in attracting high profile scientists to join us at the University.�
John Lewys-Lloyd, Chairman of the North West Cancer Research Fund, said, �The North West Cancer Research Fund Institute is evidence of the role that the individual man and woman can play in combating cancer.� Without the efforts of our many volunteer supporters in Wales, the Institute, and its pioneering research, would not exist.� The opening of the Institute is a very proud moment for all of us involved in the charity.�
Funding for the Institute comes from an award of �430,000 from the North West Cancer Research Fund, and �645,000 from a Research Capacity Development Fund award by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.� Added to this, staff resources, refurbishment and equipment costs, which the University will meet from other sources, bring the total investment to �3.5 million.
PHOTOGRAPH:� The Lord Lieutenant of Gwynedd, Professor Eric Sunderland, officially opens the North West Cancer Research Fund Institute in Bangor.� Professor Sunderland, extreme right, is pictured with (from left) Mr John Lewys Lloyd, Chairman, North West Cancer Research Fund, Professor Roy Evans, Vice-Chancellor, the University of Wales, Bangor and Doctor Sue Assinder, Head of the School of Biological Sciences, at the University of Bangor.
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