King Charles III has today visited Ulster University in Coleraine to meet with experts from its notable Cancer Research Centre, the clinicians benefitting from Ulster University’s cancer research expertise, as well hearing from people who have lived experience of cancer.
Receiving an overview of cancer research activity at Ulster University by Consultant Surgeon and Visiting Professor at Ulster University, Professor Mark Taylor, and Norbrook Chair in Pharmaceutical Science at Ulster University Professor John Callan, His Majesty was shown the three stages of current cancer research, focusing on microbubble technology. With this technology, drugs to treat cancer can target the tumour directly.
After meeting with students working in the Cancer Research Centre’s laboratory, the King joined a reception where he met some of those involved in bringing the research out of the laboratory and into clinical settings, and spent time with people living with cancer.
His Majesty discussed translating research beyond the laboratory with Professor Bridgeen Callan, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chief Executive of Klas Therapeutics; Dr Sian Farrell, Chief Executive Officer, StimOxyGen; and Professor Victor Gault, Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at Ulster University.
Meeting King Charles III, Professor Bridgeen Callan, said:
“We are currently working to take our innovative melanoma treatment into clinical trials, so today is a brilliant opportunity to showcase the technology that we have.
“Northern Ireland is a fantastic hub for oncology research, and for being such a small part of the UK, we are more than punching above our weight. Klas Therapeutics is based in the research labs here at Ulster University Coleraine campus, and having the strong connections with Innovation Ulster Ltd. has been really important as it allows us a springboard for our work.”
Clinicians, health care practitioners and charity representatives including Dr Tomas Adell, Director of Elective Care and Cancer Policy in the Department of Health; Professor Suneil Jain, Consultant Medical Oncologist; Bridget Tourish, General Manager at the North West Cancer Centre; and Dr Moyra Mills, Macmillan Service Improvement Manager at the Northern HSC Trust, told the King about their work on applying cancer research in clinical settings to support the treatment and care of patients.
His Majesty spent time with Ivan McMinn, Ann McBrien and Tim Kerr, who shared their experience of living with cancer in Northern Ireland, working with clinicians and research teams to raise awareness of cancer, and of the support available to those experiencing the disease.
Following their time with the King, Ivan McMinn, said:
“With cancer incidents increasing, it is essential that research work, such as that carried out at the Cancer Research Centre at the Ulster University, is undertaken to try, where possible, to not only improve survivability against cancer but also to ensure that treatments have as minimal effect on the person as possible.
“Those of us who are fortunate enough to have survived a cancer diagnosis have, I believe, a key part to play to ensure that our experience forms part of the research. That combination of research expertise and those with lived experience is a winning formula.
“It was a privilege to be able to share my cancer experiences with His Majesty today and it is very evident that His Majesty was genuinely interested in what he has seen first-hand today.”
Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University said:
“It was wonderful to welcome King Charles III to Ulster University and showcase our exemplary work in the area of cancer research. The Cancer Research Centre at Ulster University is a hub of pioneering research, focused on making a real, tangible difference in the lives of people living with cancer and their families.
“We are part of an incredible ecosystem in Northern Ireland, bringing together academics, researchers, clinicians, charities, and people with lived experience of cancer to harness the collective strength of our people and our partners to make an impact on our understanding, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of this disease.
“It has been wonderful to be able to showcase the best of this collaboration to the King today at our Coleraine campus.”
At the end of the visit, His Majesty unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit to Ulster University in Coleraine. The King most recently visited the Coleraine campus in 2018 as part of its 50th birthday celebrations.