Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has announced its largest ever investment in Scotland in a new seven-year commitment to provide £123m to support ‘world-class science’ and bolster Scotland’s cancer research.   

The long-term funding is set to enhance the ‘cutting-edge discovery research’ of the Beatson Institute in its quest to better understand how cancers grow and spread, and to develop strategies to prevent, detect and treat cancer.

The funding will support around 300 researchers and 100 support staff split across 30 research groups who study a range of cancers and technologies to support improved treatments.

Professor Owen Sansom who leads the Institute says the news marks an “unprecedented vote of confidence” for Scotland.

Announcing the new funding, CRUK explains that the charity will rename the Beatson Institute to the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in recognition of its success as a 'national centre of excellence'.

Michelle Mitchell, CRUK chief executive, says Scotland’s history of finding new ways to tackle cancer means the Institute will be key to achieving the “ultimate goal of beating cancer sooner”, adding:

“Its researchers represent some of the best scientists from around the world who have come together to work towards better outcomes for patients today and in the future.

“This investment reflects our confidence that Scotland can go even further in becoming a major competitor on an increasingly competitive worldwide cancer research stage as we aim for a ‘golden era’ of life sciences.”

Scotland’s researchers will look to advance work across key themes including the cellular metabolism involved in cancer and how it can be targeted in cancer therapy, and the tumour microenvironment in metastasis.

Alongside research to support treatments, the researchers are also investigating the biology of early disease to develop ‘precision prevention’ approaches to cancer.

Scotland Health Secretary Michael Matheson said:

“The Scottish government recognises that research is essential if new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer are to continue being developed.

“We welcome Cancer Research UK’s announcement of renewed funding for the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, which demonstrates its success as a national centre of excellence.

“It is testimony to the excellence and innovation that the Institute delivers, and this funding will help ensure it continues its internationally recognised research work.”

Long-term commitment to discovery science

This major funding announcement comes following a comprehensive, independent review of the Institute based in the University of Glasgow.

The 'world-class’ teams based in Scotland will be supported to undertake major studies into specific types of cancer which have some of the biggest impacts on Scotland’s population, including liver, pancreatic, bowel and lung.

Around 34,100 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland a year, and death rates have fallen by 8% over the last decade – largely thanks, according to the University of Glasgow, to research.

Executive director of research and innovation at CRUK, Dr Iain Foulkes, says the long-term nature of the investment will give researchers the freedom and resources to pursue novel ideas.

CRUK already invests around £33m in Scotland each year, including the CRUK Scotland Institute, the CRUK Scotland Centre and in grants awarded to research groups at universities across Scotland.

Dr Foulkes says that through additional funding and by fostering collaborations CRUK-supported institutes are “leading the way” towards future patient benefit which places discovery at the heart of their work.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, says this funding is a testament to the groundbreaking approach taken by Glasgow’s researchers:

“This announcement is fantastic news for Scotland, for cancer patients and for our researchers.

“That an Independent Panel of international cancer experts recognised the significant strengths of this Institute embedded within the University of Glasgow is testament to the groundbreaking, innovative and collaborative approach taken by our scientists.

“We continue to work in partnership with Cancer Research UK to ensure that the Institute and the University attract world-class scientists to Glasgow. We are excited to be working with our partners across the country, bringing together the strengths we have in cancer sciences and the wider life sciences in Scotland, to develop novel approaches to care and treatments.”

Read more: Genome research sees £46.3m boost; Microwaves offer less invasive cervical cancer therapy; High cancer diagnoses rate via emergency care; New £10m fund for cancer treatment; Boost to Glasgow leukaemia research; All cancer patients to access extra support by 2024

Sign up to our bulletin for key health & social care updates straight to your inbox and you can follow healthandcare.scot on Google News.