Science Talk
With our Science Talk blog, we hope to lift the lid on the black box that is the ICR: to show you inside our labs, to introduce you to a few of the people here who make the discoveries, and to allow them to tell some of the stories behind the science. We try to put our discoveries in a wider scientific context, and give an idea of how our science is actually done. We also give you the view from the ICR of important developments in the wider world of cancer research.
Exploring the future of genomics – the potential of sequencing technologies like NovaSeq
The Institute of Cancer Research is the first institution in the UK to deploy the state-of-the-art NovaSeq genome sequencer from Illumina. We spoke to Nik Matthews, Genomics Manager in the ICR’s Tumour Profiling Unit and a member of the team that sequenced the first human genome, to find out more about this potentially revolutionary platform and explore what the future holds for sequencing technologies like NovaSeq.
Science after Brexit – how will we continue to collaborate with the EU on medical research?
This week the Government released a position paper on collaboration in science and innovation as we leave the EU. Our Science Policy Officer Dr Sam Dick discusses some key points from the paper and what they mean for the future of UK medical research.
Defeating childhood cancer – fighting on multiple fronts
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month we’re reflecting on some recent research advances and developments made here at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and considering what’s needed for continued progress to defeat children’s cancers.
America approves ‘revolutionary’ CAR T cell immunotherapy — what does this mean for cancer patients?
The decision by US regulators to approve this first-of-its-kind treatment has been hailed as ‘historic’ and ‘a new frontier’ in cancer treatment. But how significant is the announcement by US regulators – and will it make-it across the pond?
The Life Sciences Industrial Strategy – what does it mean for cancer research?
The outlook for medical research is looking positive this week as the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy is launched in the UK. Our Science Information and Policy Officer Dr Sam Dick considers his five highlights from the report and how these will benefit cancer research.
The next generation – inspiring the cancer researchers of the future
The ICR has published a new guide for young people thinking about their future careers.
How we’re making radiotherapy a smarter, kinder treatment for cancer
Radiotherapy is a crucial part of treatment for many cancers. Here at the ICR, we’re developing new ways to use radiotherapy to kill cancer cells with fewer side effects and fewer hospital visits.
‘Expanding my knowledge’ – a Q&A with one of our MSc in Oncology students
In addition to offering PhD and MD(Res) opportunities, the ICR also runs a popular MSc in Oncology. This course is a day release modular programme designed for medically qualified candidates who intend to pursue a professional career in some aspect of clinical or medical oncology.
Our teaching excellence – and why we don't feature in the Teaching Excellence Framework results
Dr Barbara Pittam, Registrar and Director of Academic Services at the ICR, explains why as a postgraduate research institute, we do not feature in recent rankings of University teaching excellence – despite our world-leading teaching environment.
PhD students reflect on life at the ICR
We asked some of our talented PhD students to reflect on all aspects of life at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, for our inaugural Teaching Week.
Seven ways we are outsmarting cancer by overcoming drug resistance
Drug resistance is the single biggest challenge in cancer treatment today. Here’s how we’re rising to the challenge.
Five reasons we’re excited by how structural biology is advancing cancer research
We are excited about the potential that structural biology has to enable the discovery of brand new cancer drugs. Here are five reasons why this field is of great interest to our researchers.
ASCO 2017: BRCA-targeting drug olaparib offers hope for women with advanced breast cancer with inherited mutation
Results presented at the ASCO 2017 Annual Meeting in Chicago show olaparib delays progression of advanced breast cancer in women with BRCA mutations. But what does this news mean for patients?
ASCO 2017: Using targeted cancer drugs earlier in treatment – abiraterone benefits prostate cancer patients at diagnosis
Sarah Wells reviews clinical trial data presented at ASCO showing that prostate cancer drug abiraterone – discovered at the ICR – could have even greater benefits when used at the start of treatment.
ASCO Annual Meeting 2017 to highlight advances in patient and survivor care
As leading ICR researchers head to Chicago for the world’s biggest cancer conference, we look forward to the latest advances they will be presenting.
Sharing success: how team science is helping us break new ground in cancer research
In 2016, the winning project in the ICR’s first Team Science Competition aimed to bring together Big Data mathematicians and computational biologists with clinicians and physicists developing radiotherapy treatment. One year on, we spoke to team co-leader Dr Navita Somaiah about the secrets of successfully leading a large multidisciplinary team.
We brought our science to the public – and found out that everyone has a research story
The ICR’s Dr Anna Wilkins recently spoke to members of the public at two meetings of the University of the Third Age. Helen Craig blogs about the events.
Why we rank among world’s best at working with industry to take discoveries to patients
The ICR was recently ranked among the world’s top universities for working with industry. Brad Gellert discusses what is needed for academic and business collaboration to turn research into breakthroughs for patients.
How to succeed in cancer research
The AACR conference, one of the largest annual cancer research events, is getting underway. Dr Eva Sharpe spoke to our Chief Executive, Professor Paul Workman, beforehand about a discussion he will lead there tonight on supporting career development in cancer research.
2017 AACR Annual Meeting kicks off in Washington, D.C.
As leading researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research head to the US we look forward to the latest advancements in cancer research they will be presenting.