Mission

The Centre studies the genetic and biological basis for cancer, aiming to devise and test new forms of therapy arising from our basic, translational and clinical cancer research programs. The ethos is one of partnership, striving to bring together lab and clinic, and translate research findings for the benefit of cancer patients.

The Centre aims to:

• investigate the genetic and biological basis for human cancer and risk
• conduct and integrate the highest quality basic, translational and clinical cancer research
• form close collaborative links with colleagues in the College of Science and Engineering, and with pharmaceutical companies to promote discovery science
• provide a multi-disciplinary training environment for young cancer researchers, whether clinician or scientist
• act as a flagship for dissemination of information about cancer research progress and novel therapeutics
• form a comprehensive cancer research centre for the South-East of Scotland, in partnership with NHS Lothian and Cancer Research UK

The Centre for Cancer Research comprises four integrated activities, each feeding the other, namely basic science, cancer discovery, patient-tailored medicine and clinical cancer innovation. The scientific strategy and themes aims to link science and clinical activities in a wholly synergistic manner, with translational and discovery science at the heart.

This will ensure that we capitalize on advances made locally, and add value to national and international cancer research. We benefit from unique translational research opportunities (in collaboration with colleagues from across Edinburgh), and aspire to link clinical research to the delivery of cancer services by NHS Lothian. Our scientific aims are guided by the overarching tenet that excellence in cancer research goes hand in hand with optimal patient care and outcomes.

Strategy

The overall strategic aims of cancer research within the Centre are to combine strengths in basic cancer research (cancer genetics and cancer biology) with emerging technologies, using what we learn to image and kill cancer cells prior to spread or in the metastatic niche and to move towards individualization of cancer therapies. We are applying unique, multi-disciplinary skills to translational cancer research problems in the context of a high-quality, population-based clinical cancer service, which supply rich opportunities for training of scientists and clinician scientists.

Major Sources of Funding

At the present time, the funding in the Centre comes from a number of sources, including Cancer Research UK, Association for International Cancer Research, Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council, and the European Union, and is underpinned by generous infrastructure support from Cancer Research UK.