Sussex Cancer Research Centre launches to connect region’s top experts

A new centre dedicated to improving cancer treatment and patient outcomes has opened in Sussex.

The Sussex Cancer Research Centre (SCRC) draws on the research of experts at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Brighton, University of Sussex and the NHS. 

It aims to provide an environment where researchers, clinicians and patients can share resources, insight, experience and expertise to improve cancer treatments and patient outcomes.

The team behind the centre say the venture represents a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ to deliver significant improvements in care for cancer patients and drive improvements in the life chances of those diagnosed with cancer.

The four co-founders of the centre are Dr Simon Mitchell, Reader in Cancer Systems Biology at BSMS; Professor Melanie Flint, Professor of Stress and Cancer Research at the University of Brighton; Professor Timothy Humphrey, Professor of Translational Research and Genome Stability at the University of Sussex; and Clinical Oncologist Dr Duncan Gilbert of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Mitchell said: “From day one, this will be a true collaboration.

“As a team, with a united vision to improve care for patients, we are greater than the sum of our parts.

“Cancer doesn’t recognise institutional boundaries, and to beat cancer we must cross those boundaries too.”  

Professor Flint added: “We want to make sure Sussex is the best place in the country to do cancer research, so that the future leaders want to work here and stay here.

“The Sussex Cancer Research Centre will help attract, mentor, and support, ambitious cancer researchers for the benefit of cancer patients.”

By connecting researchers, patients and clinical partners, it’s hoped that resources like patient samples will be made more readily available.

And researchers will be able to trial newly discovered treatments in collaboration with NHS colleagues and the BSMS Clinical Trials Unit.

Artist Markus Taylor was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2021 and is a public member of the SCRC.

He said: “I’m really happy to be part of the new research centre because I know the team is very keen to listen to what people with cancer have to say.

“The centre is not just about cells, molecules, proteins. It’s not just about us being objects, clients, subjects, patients – it’s about real people living with real disease.

“I hope this centre will help to develop those conversations that are already happening between all those tied together by cancer – the people that have it, the scientists, doctors and consultants – sharing information, sharing knowledge and stories.

“Let’s talk, let’s share things, let’s move things on. To be part of that is incredible.”

The centre will also give both undergraduate and postgraduate students at its three participating institutions the opportunity to get involved as part of their studies with mentoring programmes and PhD studentships.