Cancer expert aims to add fresh drive to city research

Oct 22 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

ONE of Europe’s leading cancer researchers has joined forces with the North West Cancer Research Fund to pioneer new cancer treatments in Liverpool.

Professor Francis Barr has become research chairman of Molecular Oncology at Liverpool University – a post funded by the charity – following seven years of work at the world-famous Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, in Munich.

Professor Barr said he decided to reject other international job offers because of the “almost unique opportunities” available in Liverpool.

He said the city was paving the way for future cancer care and treatment and said that it was an exciting time for pioneering science in the region.

Prof Barr said: “The North West Cancer Research Fund has created an environment which is enormously attractive to researchers.

“We have the opportunity to do basic research right alongside colleagues working in clinical medicine, a situation which exists in very few other places around the world.

“It’s an exciting time to be arriving in Liverpool and trying to help progress the expertise in cancer research that’s already here.

“The facilities are going to attract many more scientists to the city, creating a centre of excellence in this field and helping treatments for cancer move forward considerably.”

Professor Barr will be heading up a team of seven experts examining the causes of and possible cures for the disease.

Together with similar units in Lancaster and in Bangor, North Wales, the Liverpool research team is one of three supported by the North West Cancer Research Fund.

The Liverpool-based charity has also recently handed out £360,000 to four pioneering research projects across the region.

Fund chairman John Lewys-Lloyd said the recruitment of Professor Barr was an indication of the calibre of work being undertaken by the charity.

He added: “We are increasingly being recognised for supporting high-quality research which sets the tone for other projects across the globe.

“Since we were founded nearly 60 years ago, we have helped get off the ground studies which have often led to major medical developments.

“Professor Barr adds to a great depth of talent we have in the North West – particularly in Liverpool.

“Having him aboard will no doubt make other leading specialists realise the possibilities of working in the city.”

carolineinnes