Eye opening tour of cancer research at NTU
2 November 2012
Once again I've been inspired by what's going on at NTU.
I went to Clifton Campus this week for, as much as anything, a trip down memory lane. So much has changed since I was a student there, but there's enough left for the last 20 years to dissolve away.
Saying that, it has VASTLY improved, with so many great facilities and new accommodation. Some of the science blocks on site are now out of this world in what they offer.
Amongst the new buildings is the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre. This was set up fairly recently and is a great collaboration with the university, giving masters and PhD students amazing access whilst performing research at the forefront of its field.
The team of 30 or so full time scientists there are looking primarily at breast and prostate cancers and making some real inroads. For a geek like me, the chance to see some of them in action and take a crash course in cellular science is amazing. I left awestruck and dumbfounded.
The centre is funded primarily from a substantial grant given some years ago by the John and Lucille van Geest Foundation along with ongoing gifts from organisations and government, but does need more money to keep its work going. Running costs are around £1 million a year, but it's money well spent.
I'm immensely proud that NTU is a university with this level of scientific research going on within its remit, something normally associated with "red brick" universities. Our reputation as a top class institution in so many fields is proven and well deserved.
Whilst at Clifton I also had the chance to spend time talking careers with current students. Always a daunting task but an enjoyable one - though it does make me feel old!
I am very much looking forward to heading back to NTU later this month for the graduation ceremonies when our Alumnus of the Year, Matt Wallace, will be honoured for his amazing fundraising for Cancer Research UK. More soon!
Stephen