Professor Anne Willis, a pioneering expert in Cancer Cell Biology, is to receive a Professorial Fellowship of around £750,000 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). It will allow her to focus full time on research into how cells re-programme themselves to repair damage to their DNA from stresses such as UV radiation.
The group will collaborate with scientists at up to fifteen other universities around the UK in the biggest-ever data collection programme in this field. A bioinformatician will be hired to coordinate and analyse the data.
The work could be useful in the field of bio-technology with possible applications in the longer term for the treatment of cancer; for example the selective targeting of cancer tumour cells with tailor-made drugs.
Reacting to her BBSRC Fellowship, Professor Willis said: “I am delighted. This award will help us expand and focus the areas of both cancer research and cell biology in Nottingham to produce an internationally regarded centre of excellence.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, Professor Sir Colin Campbell, said: “This is a hugely prestigious award that signals real excellence in Professor Willis' research.”
Professor Nigel Brown, BBSRC Director of Science & Technology, said: "BBSRC only awards one or two Professorial Fellowships each year. Professor Willis receives the only award we are making in 2008. BBSRC Professorial Fellowships are given to world-class bioscientists who can demonstrate a track record of developing new and innovative directions of research and who have the potential to open dramatic and exciting news areas of work.
"Professor Willis has impressive drive and determination. Her plans to establish a centre of excellence will further our understanding, at a fundamental and strategic level, of cellular responses to stress and strengthen the UK's leading global role in this area of research."
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Posted on Monday 14th July 2008