The Sir Bobby Robson Institute is a step closer to its £30m fundraising target following a £1.25m donation from the Wolfson Foundation to Newcastle University. The new cancer trials centre, which will significantly expand capacity for groundbreaking research in the region, has now raised over £28m since work began earlier this year.
Wolfson Foundation Grant
Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, said: "We are delighted that the Wolfson Foundation has awarded Newcastle University this funding to support the Sir Bobby Robson Institute. This facility will create an environment where Newcastle University researchers, clinicians and patients can work together to accelerate the discovery of new treatments and improve outcomes for people living with cancer."
He added: "By expanding our capacity for world-leading research, the institute will further strengthen Newcastle’s position as an internationally recognised centre of excellence for cancer research and innovation. This funding will help drive advances that will benefit patients both regionally and beyond."
Unique Environment for Innovation
The institute will combine the early phase cancer trials team at the current Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre with the late phase oncology and haematology research team. This will create a "unique environment" for driving life-saving innovations, strengthening the link between research and patient care so more patients can benefit from trials.
The centre will expand work on techniques such as cellular therapy, radiotherapy, and digital technology.
Expert Reactions
Professor Ruth Plummer, director of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at Newcastle University, said: "This generous grant from the Wolfson Foundation will enable us to take a huge step forward towards completing the Sir Bobby Robson Institute. Ultimately, it will allow us to deliver more clinical trials that will benefit cancer patients now and in the future, and we’re very grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for their support."
She added: "We can calculate the progress of cancer research but it’s impossible to quantify the hope clinical trials can bring. The new institute will aim for excellence in research and make a real difference to cancer treatments."
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: "The collaboration between Newcastle University and the Northern Centre for Cancer Care has already produced exciting new cancer therapies, adopted widely in the UK and internationally. The Sir Bobby Robson Institute will give these partners the ideal platform to expand and accelerate clinical trials. We are delighted to join other donors in helping this project come to life – a fitting tribute to a favourite son of the North East."
Previous donations have come from sources including the Barbour Foundation.
