Oxford University and Sichuan University form joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer

Over the next 5 years this new centre seeks to develop an integrated cancer plan with a focus on gastrointestinal cancer, underpinned by high quality basic, translational and clinical cancer research.

The intention is to develop one team based across two sites, with an operating and governance system that will drive the exchange of ideas, which is crucial to academic development and alleviating the burden that cancer places on societies across the world.

The Centre will seek to build a portfolio of multi-disciplinary teams drawing from both organisations. These teams and their projects will enable scientists and clinicians to learn from each other and apply their expertise for the benefit of cancer patients in both nations. The establishment of a bilateral researcher exchange program will drive the delivery of these.

'The idea behind personalised cancer medicine is both simple and powerful: delivering the right treatment to the right patient at the right time,' says Professor Kerr. 'Our aim is to radically alter the way cancer is managed, saving lives by focusing on the individual.'

Professor Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, says, 'We are grateful to President Li Yanrong and his leadership team for the strong support for the initiation of this important collaboration.'