PhD student Parisa Razaz talks about her learning experience at the ICR.
Set in the stunning surroundings of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the third annual reception for members of The Discovery Club celebrated The Institute of Cancer Research, London scientific creativity over the past year and thanked our donors who have helped make these discoveries possible.
The event was opened by Luke Johnson, Chairman of the ICR, who expressed gratitude to the members of The Discovery Club for their generous investment. He announced to guests that in the last financial year the ICR had raised a record £12 million from philanthropic sources – the largest annual amount to date.
Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of the ICR, showcased the depth and breadth of the research carried out at the ICR, highlighting some of our key scientific discoveries of 2013/14 – achievements which have been made possible thanks to philanthropic investment.
He was accompanied by Parisa Razaz who gave the audience a first-hand account of the invaluable learning experience she has gained as a PhD student at the ICR. She emphasised the need for continued funding for studentships from members of The Discovery Club to help train the next generation of cancer researchers.
Lara Jukes, Director of Development at the ICR, said: “The annual reception is the highlight in The Discovery Club annual programme of events, in which its members are updated on the ICR’s progress and the developments which are made possible by their philanthropic support. The Discovery Club aims to raise £1 million over three years to support key projects that will greatly enhance our scientists’ ability to create the most effective, personalised treatments for cancer patients.”
Fundraising priorities for The Discovery Club next year include further investment in the Centre for Evolution and Cancer and the ICR’s training of young researchers, and a major capital initiative to raise funds for a new Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery.