Thursday 12 July 2001
Local dignitaries, cancer experts and leading architects will be witnessing a major stage in the building of The Institute of Cancer Research's new Cancer Genomics Centre (CGC) in Sutton on Thursday 12 July.
Picture desks are invited to attend this Topping-Out ceremony at a time when the Internationally renowned Cancer Genome Project continues to yield more clues about the workings of cancer genes. This state-of-the-art development is being built by Shepherd Construction and is due for completion in June 2002.
The latest technologies will be used at the new centre in order to translate information from the Cancer Genome Project into methods to improve the management, treatment and prevention of cancer.
The CGC will accommodate leading scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research who are currently working in Victorian-built laboratories. The new centre will bring together experts working on all aspects of cancer research and will house four different sections, Epidemiology, Haematology, Cancer Genetics and Paediatric Oncology.
Dr Peter Rigby, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research says: "The building of The Institute's new centre is a very exciting project and is of huge importance to the future of cancer research. It will ensure that our scientists will have the optimal environment to continue their cutting edge research into the genome."
Over one hundred guests will attend the 'Topping-Out' ceremony which will be performed by the former Mayor of Sutton, Lal Hussain.
- ends -
For more information, please contact:
The Institute of Cancer Research
Tel: 0207 970 6030
email: [email protected]
Notes to editors
- The Institute of Cancer Research is a centre of excellence with some of the world's leading scientists working on cutting edge projects. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
- The Human Genome Project, based at the Sanger Centre near Cambridge, is being harnessed by British scientists in a ground-breaking approach to find the genes associated with all forms of cancer. The Cancer Genome Project is the first of its kind in the world, and was initiated by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, following an award by the Wellcome Trust of £11.7 million.
- The CGC will cost £23 million. Over £16 million has already been raised from the Science Research Investment Funds of the Wellcome Trust, and of the Higher Education Funding Council for England and also charitable trusts. The Institute is looking to raise the remaining £7 million from the public.
- The Institute of Cancer Research works with the Royal Marsden NHS Trust in a unique partnership which enables scientific discoveries to be translated quickly into patient care.
- The Topping Out Ceremony dates back to Roman times and it has traditionally called for some celebration. Today it marks the moment when a building is roofed in.
Shepherd Construction
- Shepherd is one of Europe's largest privately owned engineering and construction companies, with turnover approaching £500 million and operating in every continent except Antarctica.
- It has specialist expertise in design, engineering, construction, process engineering, clean room technology, project funding and facilities management. A key strength is its ability to see a whole project through from its in-house skills, drawing on the expertise of more than 4,000 people. This seamless approach encourages innovation, reduced costs and fast delivery.
Since its foundation more than 100 years ago, the company has been a recognised leader for quality, innovation and training. It was the first national construction company to achieve Investors in People in 1992 and passed its third re-assessment with flying colours in 1998. Shepherd holds three prestigious National Training Awards.
Please note:
Unfortunately the press office are unable to answer queries from the general public. For general cancer information please refer to The Institute's cancer information page.