01.07.20
New Leeds cancer research centre appoints leaders
Two internationally-acclaimed researchers, Professor David Sebag-Montefiore and Professor John Ladbury, have been appointed to lead a major new interdisciplinary research centre which has been launched with the aim of putting Leeds at the forefront of global efforts to tackle cancer.
Leeds Cancer Research Centre (LCRC) is a partnership between the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
It seeks to bring together outstanding scientists and clinicians across discipline boundaries to deliver world-leading cancer research which will ultimately improve patient outcomes.
By combining research excellence and state-of-the-art infrastructure in discovery biology, physical sciences, engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and clinical research, the centre will unlock new insights in cancer biology, and accelerate the translation of exciting new treatments and technologies to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Professor Sebag-Montefiore will serve as the Clinical Director. He is a clinical oncologist who has previously led clinical trials which have revolutionised the treatment of anal and rectal cancers using radiotherapy and directs the Leeds Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence for Radiotherapy Research.
Professor Ladbury will serve as the LCRC’s Scientific Director. He has previously carried out ground-breaking research which showed how disruption to the signalling system within a cell can trigger cancer. Having previously worked at some of the world’s most prestigious cancer research institutions, he also served as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds.
Sir Alan Langlands, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leeds, said: “Cancer research is at the heart of the University’s strategy and we are fully committed to high standards in cancer care and the science that underpins it.
“The LCRC provides an excellent platform to link the laboratory to the clinic, enabling convergence of our significant strengths in structural biology, clinical research, physical sciences and engineering to address one of medicine's toughest challenges.
“Professors David Sebag-Montefiore and John Ladbury are excellent appointments, with proven track records of internationally-renowned research and collaboration. Their combined leadership will ensure that Leeds is at the forefront of the international effort to fight cancer.”
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Professor Ladbury added: “I am excited by the opportunity to bring researchers together at the biological, clinical and physical sciences interface, and harness new innovative approaches to accelerate and translate scientific discoveries to the clinic.
“Through active research partnerships with the trust, leading institutions, industry and funders, Leeds will generate world-leading research that will shape better patient outcomes.”