Cancer researchers gather for Away Day
Posted on: 30 November 2022 by Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine Staff Away Day 2022 in November 2022 Posts
November saw the first in-person Away Day for the Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine (MCCM) in two years, hosted by Professor Michael Schmid and held at the Spine Building.
Professor Michael Schmid, Head of the Department of Molecular and Cancer Medicine welcomed staff to the meeting, which was held on a bright sunny day in November. The event was very well attended with over 35 senior cancer medicine research leaders and clinicians in addition to invited Early Career Researchers.
Research workshops and round table discussions
Professor Sonia Rocha, Executive Dean of the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, spoke about the vibrancy of our research and how these meetings facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas, enable us to address new and existing challenges and help us explore new therapeutic strategies in the fight against cancer
This was followed by presentations focused on current issues in specific areas of cancer medicine and how they are being addressed:
- Professor John Field; Clinical Chair in Molecular Oncology and Lead for the Liverpool Lung Project,
- Professor Paula Ghaneh; Professor of Surgery and senior clinical lecturer,
- Professor Christian Ottensmeier; Director of Clinical Research at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre,
- Professor Robert Sutton; Professor of Surgery Molecular & Clinical Cancer Medicine
- Professor Harish Poptani; Chair of the Center for Preclinical Imaging,
- Professor Judy Coulson; Deputy Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Technology, Infrastructure and Environment at the Faculty,
- Professor Eithne Costello; Co-director of the University of Liverpool Good Clinical Practice Laboratory Facility
- Professor William Greenhalf; Co-director of the University of Liverpool Good Clinical Practice Laboratory Facility
- Professor Ian Prior, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for the Technology, Infrastructure and Environment Directorate
The round table discussions addressed ways in which researchers at the University, the NHS and allied organisations can further support our research environment, our patient interactions, and stimulate our research communities for accelerated cancer medicine breakthroughs and innovations in Liverpool and globally.
Following an enthusiastic and informative open discussion between all round table groups, the attendees broke for lunch.
Teaching and Technologies
The afternoon sessions focused on key aspects of the undergraduate and postgraduate cancer medicine teaching programmes including review of the programme structure, planned changes, assessment types and student numbers per year with presentations by Dr Sean Goodman, Dr Terry Gleave, Dr Ainhoa Mielgo, Professor Eithne Costello and Dr Serena Chee.
This was followed by North West Cancer Research Chief Executive Officer; Alistair Richards who gave a presentation with Q&A session.
Professor Ian Prior then presented the extensive range of enabling technologies available in the Faculty’s Liverpool Shared Research Facilities (LIV-SRF) that support cancer research and personalised medicine. As part of the Faculty and University teaching structure, the LIV-SRF enables PhD students to acquire their own knowledge and skills in microscopy or analytical techniques. Students and researchers also benefit from the internationally-renowned clinical trials expertise and opportunities for collaboration with leading academics and clinicians based in Liverpool at the Liverpool Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC).
Professor Michael Schmid thanked the attendees for their expert contributions and for their enthusiasm at each of the sessions throughout the day. The meeting provided valuable opportunities to learn about the excellent teaching programmes and facilities being provided at the Faculty. These underpin the world-leading multidisciplinary research at Liverpool and support our aims to transform collaborative cancer research in the region and around the globe.