Celebrating 20 Years of Impact
Join us as we celebrate two decades of Manchester-led cancer breakthroughs
Celebrating two decades at the MCRC
In 2006, a partnership was born with one goal: to drive research from the laboratory to the clinic.
By uniting The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, as well as affiliated institutes, trusts, and funding bodies, the Manchester Cancer Research Centre links basic and discovery science with clinical treatment. We work beyond traditional boundaries, connecting our researchers with local and global partners to tackle cancer through interdisciplinary strategic themes.
Our unique cancer ecosystem brings together world-leading scientists, clinicians, and educators. Together, we deliver cutting-edge treatments to the diverse populations of Greater Manchester and beyond.
Twenty years on, our skyline has changed with the opening of the Oglesby and the new Paterson Buildings, but our mission remains the same: to ensure that patients benefits from our world-leading research.
As we mark our 20th anniversary, we aren't just celebrating our past achievements; we are setting the stage for the next frontier of cancer team science and impactful research. Our research strategy will continue to leverage our rich heritage of innovation to change the lives of every person affected by cancer, in Greater Manchester and across the globe. Together, by providing "precision oncology for all”, we are building a future free from the burden of cancer.
Professor Rob Bristow
Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre
The Manchester Cancer Research Centre: 2006-2026
As a world-leading comprehensive cancer research partnership, we have influenced clinical practice in the UK and across the world, changing the lives of people affected by cancer.
The newly established C8 Consortium – bringing together eight of the world’s leading research-driven CCCs – also advances translational cancer research and enables benchmarking against other top centres, fostering continuous improvement.
Below you can view a collection of case studies where we have continued to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, pioneered life changing discoveries and progressed these to a change in practice in cancer diagnosis, treatment or survival.
Improving the standard of care for biliary tract cancers around the world
Biliary Tract Cancer is a type of hepato-pancreatico-biliary cancer and is associated with high mortality. Thanks to research led by Prof. Juan Valle and his team, a pioneering group of trials, the ABC series, has improved international standards of care for patients with Biliary Tract Cancers.
Changing National Healthcare Guidance – A Lynch Syndrome Example
Research led by Professor Emma Crosbie with Professor Gareth Evans and Dr Neil Ryan helped show that almost 3% of womb cancers are linked to Lynch syndrome, now new guidelines have been implemented that state that women with womb cancer will be screened for the genetic condition.
Influencing policy: Making the case to ban sunbeds
A multidisciplinary team between Manchester and Australia have been evaluating the cost effectiveness of a policy-based intervention to reduce melanoma and other skin cancers associated with indoor tanning salons. Their results provide a strong incentive to ban sunbeds in order to improve the outcomes for patients.
Changing clinical practice for patients with Lymphoma
The lifetime work by Professors John Radford and Tim Illidge has helped pioneer new treatments and understanding of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, increasing access to therapies, reducing treatment side effects and devising new treatments.
Our milestones
Our impact
Join the celebrations
We aren’t just looking back; we’re moving forward. Help us mark this milestone by getting involved in the exciting programme of activities and events we have planned for our 20th anniversary.
Upcoming events
- The 20th Anniversary Charity Showcase (18th March 2026): Connect directly with some incredible cancer charities – discover new funding opportunities, understand their funding priorities, and participate in engaging talks and workshops.
- MCRC 20th Anniversary Director’s Lecture (22nd June 2026): In the first of our 20th Anniversary Director’s Lecture series, hear from Professor Richard Sullivan, Professor of Cancer and Global Health at King’s College London and Guy’s Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Centre. In his talk, Professor Sullivan will explore “The challenges and opportunities for global oncology collaborations”. More details and registration info will be announced soon!
Past events
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre 20th Anniversary Director’s Lecture (21st November 2025): As part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration, we are privileged to host Professor David Jaffray, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, for this special lecture titled: “Realizing the Value Proposition of AI in Healthcare Requires Manual Labor”
The the new Paterson Building opened in Withington in 2023 and was a beacon of renewed hope following a fire which destroyed the original building in 2017.
The Christie partnered with the MCRC for its 2025 Comprehensive Cancer Centre reaccreditation, showcasing the city’s collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to cancer.
Looking ahead – the next 20 years at the MCRC
Our work is far from over. As we head into our third decade, our focus is shifting toward the next frontier of cancer care, ensuring that the progress made since 2006 serves as a solid foundation for even more radical innovation.
To guide this journey, we are putting the finishing touches on a new research strategy for the MCRC, launching later this year. This strategy will redefine how we integrate cutting-edge technology, clinical excellence, and global collaboration to stay ahead of the disease.
Our Vision
Our Values
Our Impact
Our Leadership and Strategic Team
