The Society for Melanoma Research (SMR) has announced that their 15th International Congress will be held in Manchester next year.

Taking place at Manchester Central 24-28 October 2018, this will be the first time the prestigious annual meeting comes to the UK. Previous host cities have included Amsterdam, Sapporo, Boston, Zurich, and Brisbane.

The SMR is a diverse, all-volunteer group of scientists working to find the mechanisms responsible for melanoma and, consequently, new therapies for the cancer. The SMR contributes to advances in melanoma research by bringing together researchers in a non-competitive way to unite the scientific community.

The decision came about following a successful bid supported by the Christie, the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Marketing Manchester and Manchester Central. Manchester was chosen as a host because it sets a successful example of collaborative working between clinical and basic research.

Prof Paul Lorigan, leading melanoma oncologist from the Christie said: “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming the SMR’s annual congress to Manchester next year. It comes as recognition not only of the important work the Christie does in the field of melanoma research, but of also of the global significance of Manchester’s wider scientific community.”

 

Prof Richard Marais of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, based at The University of Manchester, said: “The SMR does some vitally important work to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and drive forward progress in melanoma research, and it’s very exciting to be welcoming them to Manchester next year. It’s sure to be a stimulating few days.”

Sheona Southern, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester said: “It’s a great accolade for Manchester to be chosen as the first ever UK city to host the SMR’s International Congress, particularly as it’s in recognition of our reputation for collaborative work.

“Manchester has a proud history of fostering innovation in healthcare and life sciences, and thanks to our world leading research facilities we’re able to keep attracting great minds to the city for congresses such as these.”

Shaun Hinds, CEO of Manchester Central, said: “This is a real feat for the city and we’ll be delighted to welcome the Society for Melanoma Research to the venue next year.

“Winning the bid to host this congress is yet another fantastic example of how Team Manchester works collaboratively to bring some of the world’s leading events to this fantastic city.”