Helen Rollason Research Laboratory officially launched

An exciting new cancer research laboratory based in the heart of Chelmsford, Essex, was officially launched on Thursday 12 February by Simon Burns MP. Around 70 guests had the chance to look around the new Helen Rollason Research Laboratory, which is situated within the Rivermead Campus at Anglia Ruskin University. The Helen Rollason Research Laboratory is a pioneering cancer research base which uses freshly collected tumour samples to conduct ground-breaking research into breast cancer.

Professor Paul Sauven, who manages the laboratory said:

"It's great to re-launch the laboratory, which was originally at the old university buildings in Victoria Road South. This new laboratory is a state-of-the-art centre with world-class equipment for our scientists to conduct cancer research.

Our scientists are currently undertaking research into breast tumours and looking into whether we can predict responses to chemotherapy. We also work in collaboration with other world-class research centres around the world: University of Cambridge, Essex University, the Chelmsford and Essex Breast Clinic, The Sanger Centre and The Karolinska Institute in Sweden, so this new laboratory really is important in continuing our pioneering and world-wide cancer research."

Simon Burns MP cut the ribbon at the official re-launch which was also attended by the Mayor of Chelmsford Tom Willis and Mayoress Jane Willis, chairman of the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity Professor Neville Davidson and the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin University Professor David Humber.

Nicola Douglas, manager of the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity said:

"The relaunch evening went very well and we are delighted so many guests attended. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Colt Press and the University's Faculty of Health & Social Care for kindly sponsoring the event.

The laboratory is manned by Dr Christina Greenwood, Dr France Docquier and Dr Sushma Rai. Our aim is to help contribute to finding a cure for breast cancer. It is hoped a greater understanding of this disease will arise from these research projects, potentially resulting in better treatment options for patients, better prognosis and higher survival rates."

The laboratory is core funded by the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity and Anglia Ruskin University and is operated by a group of scientists, but without this funding, this vital, ground-breaking research into breast cancer cells may not be continued. Individual research projects may also be funded from external grants.

Professor Humber from Anglia Ruskin University added:

"To have scientists undertaking world-class cancer research on this campus is a real coup for the University. We are pleased the new laboratory is now open and we can continue building on our relationship with the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity in the future."

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