Chinese collaboration points way to world-wide patient benefits

A new international research collaboration which will directly translate into patient benefits around the world has been officially marked during an event at the University.

Jointly hosted by both universities, the Cardiff University – Capital Medical University Joint Centre for Biomedical Research will create opportunities for research across a number of medical fields with the aim of advancing detection and treatments of global health issues. Initially, the focus will be on cancer research, including breast cancer and infectious and immunological diseases. Longer term the Centre will consider expansion into areas such as neurology, dentistry, nursing and tissue repair.

Through the partnership Cardiff academics will have the opportunity to access a wide research portfolio and Capital Medical staff will experience firsthand key areas of medical practice and research.  

The new Centre builds on a strong existing partnership between Cardiff and Capital Medical. Research Fellows from Capital Medical have been coming to Cardiff to work under leading academic Professor Wen Jiang on the metastasis of breast cancer, examining how the disease spreads around the body. To date, the partnership projects have discovered new biomarkers for not only breast cancer but for prostate and kidney cancer.  In 2011, the partnership won the International Collaboration category at the Times Higher Education awards.

Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor and President, said: "This latest collaboration is part of the University's continuing strategy to build research capacity by establishing high-quality research partnerships with other internationally outstanding institutions.

"Not only will the Centre lead to advancements in research and practice critical to delivering patient benefits, but it will also help build the global reputation and standing of Wales as a centre of world-leading cancer research.

The announcement follows the official launch of the Cardiff University - Peking University Oncology Joint-Institute – a the new collaboration for oncology research involving Cardiff and Peking University, one of the most highly-respected intuitions in China. Projects will include diagnosis, metastasis, new technologies and clinical trials. The Institute will also offer training opportunities for students, scientists and doctors in the area of cancer and oncology.