Ian Pearson, Minister for Science and Innovation, was in Cambridge today to examine a unique collaboration between the University of Cambridge and Cancer Research UK.

Mr Ian Pearson MP visited the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute (CRI), the UK’s latest cancer research initiative. The Institute, located in the Li Ka Shing Centre, is a focus of research into cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The Institute is also the hub of the Cambridge Cancer Centre which brings together the expertise of scientists and clinicians at the University, Cancer Research UK, MRC, Wellcome Trust and Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Whilst there, he took part in a discussion with Sir Bruce Ponder, Li Ka Shing Professor of Oncology at Cambridge and Director of the CRI, Richard Davidson, Director of Policy and Public Affairs for Cancer Research UK and Professor Ian Leslie, the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research. Their discussion focused on how the different partners co-ordinate their roles in the Institute and support the research being conducted at the CRI.

The Minister then toured the building, first visiting the Histopathology Laboratory. This facility is responsible for preparing tissues for detailed molecular analysis. The party next visited the Molecular Imaging Laboratory, which develops new methods for monitoring tumour progression and response to treatment.

Minister for Science and Innovation, Ian Pearson, said:

“I am delighted to visit this world class institute and see how a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and Cancer Research UK is resulting in some very exciting research that is increasing our understanding of cancer.

“As this week is National Science and Engineering Week, it is important to recognise that facilities like the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute require talented, enthusiastic scientists and the week is all about getting young people interested in science and encouraging them to become the researchers of tomorrow.”

Recent successes for the Molecular Imaging Lab include the ongoing development of methods for diagnosing brain cancer without the need for an invasive biopsy. This involves a technique known as Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), which employs the technology used in the more familiar MRI scans to check the level of various chemicals in the body.

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