Prof Richard Marais

Director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and President of the European Association for Cancer Research
24^th Biennial Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)

1,470 cancer researchers from over 60 countries descended on Manchester in July 2016 to attend the 24th Biennial Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research.

The meeting was chaired by President of the EACR, Professor Richard Marais, who is Director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (CRUK MI), part of The University of Manchester. It was a fantastic opportunity for Manchester’s world-leading scientists to share expertise and to demonstrate that Manchester is a global centre of excellence for cancer research.

Over 130 researchers from the Manchester Cancer Research Centre attended the Congress, with around half presenting work during the four-day meeting. Also present were operations staff members from the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, on hand in the Exhibition Hall to promote training and career opportunities and to raise the Centre’s international profile.

Manchester’s research strength was emphasised by the heavy presence of local scientists speaking in symposia. A high number of poster presentations demonstrated the sheer quality and breadth of activity from research groups within the Manchester Cancer Research Centre.

Professor Marais said: “Manchester is a city of medical and healthcare pioneers and today provides an environment where innovation can grow and prosper.

“It is a hub for top global pharmaceutical, medtech and biotech companies – there are 250 life sciences companies in the region, as well as four universities with a strong track record of working with industry.

“This Congress features an exciting scientific programme, with world-class speakers covering all of the most innovative current research topics from basic research into the biology and understanding of cancer right through to precision medicine.

“This is an emerging important concept in cancer research and treatment today and one of the key focuses of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre,- a partnership between Cancer Research UK, The University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

“Researchers here in Manchester and from all over Europe will be able to share their latest work and make new contacts and collaborations that will support important cancer research work in the future.”