China link-up to ‘create better cancer treatments’

The Cardiff University - Peking University Oncology Joint-Institute, launched this week will see some of the two countries leading experts come together to build research capacity to tackle the most urgent questions in beating cancer.

Based in the University's School of Medicine, Peking University's School of Oncology and Peking Cancer Hospital, the Institute will carry out internationally leading research in cancer and the development of cancer treatment.

Professor Colin Riordan, the University's President and Vice-Chancellor, said:"One of my first engagements as Vice-Chancellor was to mark the official beginning of this partnership while in China at the end of 2012. I am very pleased to be welcoming our Chinese colleagues to Cardiff. "

"The University's links with Peking University date back to 2001 when a University-wide agreement was signed to establish a framework for potential collaboration in academic research, exchange of teaching materials and joint supervision. This relationship has developed over the years, thanks in large part to our School of Medicine and Professor Wen Jiang and Peking University's Professor Ji Jiajfu - the Institute's joint Directors. This event is a culmination of that relationship and the beginning of world-leading research projects that have the ability to deliver health benefits worldwide."

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.

Peking University is the top University in China and one of the premier universities in the world. It is ranked within the top 50 world leading universities and it is leading cancer research and cancer service in China.

As part of the partnership Cardiff will provide the physical space and initial funding for the Institute, with Peking University contributing specialist research knowledge, access to a wide network of research fellows in China and capacity to undertaken a different scale of research.

Attended by the President of Peking University Cancer Hospital, Professor Jiafu Ji and the Welsh Government's Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews AM, the event also conferred Cardiff University Honorary Fellowships on six academics from Peking University and an Honorary Professorship in recognition of their contribution to cancer research.

Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews said: "Wales continues to make great strides in cancer research and this new joint institute will put research at Cardiff University on a worldwide stage.

"Cancer has been identified as an area of research strength in Wales, with the Welsh Government funding several major initiatives.

"Peking University's work in the areas of cancer research and delivery of treatment are internationally renowned and will further complement the excellent work already underway at Cardiff University and other Welsh research institutes."