MCRC Director's Update
December 2024
A big ‘hello’ to everyone at the MCRC for this festive December Director’s update. The MCRC will close as part of The University of Manchester’s holiday closure period from the 20th December to the 2nd January 2025. I hope that everyone can get some rest and relaxation during this period. I for one, am looking forward to taking several days off before getting ready for the next year of activities at the MCRC.
This will be a short written and video update from me, reflecting on a couple of December’s activities, and signing off until the new year.
Retirement retreat for Professor Nic Jones
This month saw the retirement celebration for the renowned Professor Nic Jones, the inaugural Director of the MCRC between 2006 and 2017, before passing over to myself. A group of current and past Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute scientists travelled to the Lake District for a retreat to celebrate the numerous accolades that Nic has achieved over his esteemed career.
We celebrated Nic’s approach to science, his leadership at the MCRC, and delivery of the Paterson Building which was officially opened earlier this year.
Congratulations Nic; it was great to celebrate all that you have done for the cancer research partnership here in Manchester.
You can read more about Nic and his achievements in this MCRC blog.
As many of you may know, it was Nic who initiated the MCRC. He has supported the successful scientific programming at the MCRC for the past 11 years. It is clear to say we would not be where we are today without him. And neither would I as Nic recruited me to Manchester after describing his vision and the extraordinary assets within the MCRC partners with the promise of making a difference to patients. Nic, thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do. For being a great mentor and friend. For spearheading great science here in Manchester. And for providing impeccable leadership which has shaped cancer research here in Manchester to such a remarkable and world leading standard.
Professor Robert Bristow
Inaugural lecture for the Manchester Prostate Cancer Research programme
On 21st November, we were lucky enough to welcome Dr Adam Sharp, a distinguished clinician scientist from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London. He spoke on novel therapeutics in his talk “Targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in lethal prostate cancer” which focussed particularly on targeting novel cell death pathways.
Adam also visited our Experimental Cancer Medicine Team to discuss potential collaborations moving forward.
We will continue to hold lectures in this series to build on our portfolio and discussions around prostate cancer research here in Manchester. You can read more about this visiting seminar on the MCRC website.
A look ahead to the New Year
I would like to take this time to wish you, your family and your friends a very restful holiday.
As I look back at 2024, we had a fantastic year, with both research announcements as well as recruits and new research programming. There have been a plethora of achievements and some remarkable outputs, and I am entirely grateful to the hard-working ethos that we hold at the MCRC which enables us to push through great science and great achievements.
I am looking forward on updating you with some new exciting funding announcements in early 2025.
So, have a wonderful holiday, see you in the new year and thank you for everything in 2024.
Professor Robert Bristow
Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre
Director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Centre
News
A Fond Farewell – Professor Nic Jones Retires
