Southampton Receives £8.2 million Boost for Cancer Research

Cancer Research UK is to invest around £6.7 million over the next five years into the Cancer Research UK Southampton Centre, made up of experts from the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

As well as supporting its world-renowned research in immunology and immunotherapy, the Centre will use this money to accelerate work on understanding the biology of and improving treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder and breast cancer. It will also help build upon its existing strength in cancer surgery.

A key part of the funding will involve training the next generation of cancer researchers - including 15 PhD students - to ensure that the brightest scientists are attracted and supported in their career in cancer research.

In addition, a further grant of £1.5 million is planned for the city’s Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC), from Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health Research.

Southampton’s Chief Clinician Professor Peter Johnson, who leads the Centre, said: “This new round of investment from Cancer Research UK is very welcome, especially because the funds allocated will help us to recruit more leading cancer immunology specialists from around the world, who will help maintain Southampton’s position as one of Cancer Research UK’s flagship centres.

“The University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust make a formidable team in the fight against cancer and we will continue to work together to turn our research into benefits for people around the world.”