Cancer research collaboration strengthened

One of the most renowned hospitals in China specialising in cancer research and treatment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University to advance the detection and treatment of cancer, during a visit to Cardiff.

The agreement will see Peking University Cancer Hospital and the University further strengthen its research collaborations to investigate lung, oesophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers.

Signed by Vice-Chancellor Dr David Grant and Professor Jiafu Ji, Director of Peking University Cancer Hospital and Head of Peking University School of Oncology, the agreement will also increase the exchange of junior and senior scientists and clinicians, support the exploration of opportunities in translational medical research, as well as joint studentships.

The University and Peking University Cancer Hospital has a long-established relationship dating back to 1985 when the then University of Wales College of Medicine received the first Peking visiting fellow. In more recent years, exchange and collaboration has become highly active leading to a number of Peking fellows spending time in Cardiff to find new approaches to detecting and treating cancer.

Also present from Peking University Cancer Hospital were Professor Lijian Zhang, Head of Thoracic Surgery; Professor Huanping Zhang, Director for International Relations and Research; Professor Hong Cai, Director of Genetics and Dr LianHai Zhang, associate Professor and Assistant head of GI Surgical Oncology. From Cardiff University were Professor Hywel Thomas, Pro Vice-Chancellor Engagement and International; Professor Wen Jiang, School of Medicine, and Professor Keith Harding Director of the Institute for Translation, Innovation, Methodologies and Engagement (TIME) and Professor of Wound Healing, School of Medicine.

This agreement also further strengthens Cardiff University's links with other Chinese Institutions. Most recently, the University signed an agreement with Chongqing Cancer Hospital to conduct joint research projects on breast cancer and hope to extend this to other tumours, such as lung and prostate cancer in time.

The University's cancer research partnership with Capital Medical University in China has also recently been recognised with the Times Higher Education 2011 International Collaboration Award. The University won for the collaboration which aims to find new approaches to detecting and treating cancer. The partnership pools the research expertise and knowledge within both institutions with the aim of making real progress in tackling a global issue – breast cancer.