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India strengthens cancer links with Northern Ireland

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12.11.2007

An international research partnership to develop new ways to understand and treat cancer has been established between India and Northern Ireland.

The agreement was signed between Queen's and the Ministry of Biotechnology, Government of India. It involves top cancer specialists from the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi and Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University.

To strengthen the agreement an international conference on Cancer Biology supported by the Government of India and the Department of Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland will run from 14 – 16 November in New Delhi. The Northern Ireland Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, will officially open the conference.

Leading the Northern Ireland delegation is world renowned cancer oncologist, Professor Patrick Johnston from Queen's University. Speaking at the event he said: "Cancer does not recognise national boundaries and affects people across the globe. It is only through international research partnerships and the sharing of information that we can learn more about the disease. Through this collaboration we will be able to develop new treatments and improve the diagnosis of cancer to the betterment of everyone.

"India has great expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. With the beginning of this new partnership I am confident that we will take significant strides in combating one of the worlds most prevalent diseases."

The International Symposium features over 30 speakers from the United States, Europe and India, including seven invitees from the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen’s University.

Queen's University Belfast is on a ten day visit to strengthen its links with India.

In association with Bengal Engineering and Science University, Kolkata, Queen's will launch a unique scholarship programme at BESU on 19 November to allow Indian science and technology students to live and work in Belfast. The new scholarship scheme will help identify the research leaders of tomorrow.

Indian students will study in the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT), an established world class research centre at Queen's University. Students will also engage in a range of academic, cultural and social activities.

Kevin Mulhern | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.qub.ac.uk

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