Uganda and University of Cambridge in joint cancer research

By George Mangula

Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and Cambridge University have agreed to conduct joint research on the management and cure of cancer. This was disclosed following the signing of a memorandum of a joint collaboration between the two institutions.

The memorandum is aimed at promoting and furthering academic links between the University of Cambridge and Uganda cancer institute.

The collaboration involves an initiative for the “Basic Cancer Science Summer Schools”. The Basic Cancer Summer Schools will allow for the exchange program for both institutions to allow them to give their medical personnel an opportunity to learn.

The initiative will build the capacity for breast cancer research and laboratory techniques. “This is one of the major objectives of the Basic Cancer Summer School,” officials said.

According to Dr Jackson Orem, the Executive Director of the Uganda cancer institute, the memorandum is comprised of staff and student exchange, collaborative research and exchange of academic, educational, scientific knowledge.

“The relationship between Uganda Cancer Institute and the University of Cambridge was started in 2017 and the memorandum of understanding has officially been signed to allow for the two institutions to work collaboratively together,” said Orem.

Prof. Greg Hannon who is the head of Cancer Research-UK/ University of Cambridge stated he was delighted with the collaboration between them and Uganda Cancer Institute.

Currently UCI is being supported by Uganda govt. Now we are focusing on going around the world to identify people we can work with. But most importantly, we have to bring in the Youth because they are the future.