31 October 2011
University of Dundee to name Centre in honour of Jacqui Wood
The University of Dundee is to name a new centre focusing on cancer research after Jacqui Wood, the inspirational leader of the Ninewells Cancer Campaign who sadly died earlier this year.
The Jacqui Wood Centre will bring to fruition a long-held vision of Jacqui's to locate the Medical School’s clinical and laboratory research work on cancer in a single location.
A new fundraising campaign is being launched by the Ninewells Cancer Campaign to support the new Centre. The campaign is looking to raise £2million.
Jacqui Wood led the Ninewells Cancer Campaign for 20 years, during which time the campaign raised more than £17million to support cancer research and treatment in Dundee.
Professor John Connell, Dean of the University's School of Medicine, said, 'I am particularly pleased that we can honour the memory of Jacqui in this way, as she did so much to support cancer research in Dundee. She would, I am sure, have been delighted that we now have a physical location for our very best cancer research.
'This is an outstanding opportunity for the Medical School to build its research that bridges the gap between bedside and laboratory bench.'
The Jacqui Wood Centre will be housed in what was the TMRC building at the Ninewells site, next to the University’s Clinical Research Centre. The five-floor building will be kitted out with state of the art facilities and house more than 100 clinicians and scientists.
Professor Roland Wolf, Director of the Medical Research Institute at the University, said bringing all of the cancer researchers into close proximity would bring a new urgency and focus to the studies being carried out at Dundee.
'This Centre will provide a major platform that will allow us to create a step change in our cancer research capability; the co-location of more than 100 clinicians and scientists generates real energy and increases our critical mass in this key area of research,' said Professor Wolf. 'I am very optimistic that this will allow us to recruit even more world class research scientists to Dundee.'
The Ninewells Cancer Campaign will launch a new fundraising drive in honour of Jacqui Wood, and some of the funds raised will help with costs to make the Centre fully operational.
The total target of £2million will also allow the Medical School to attract new staff to build research capacity.
Lady Fiona Fraser, Chair of the Ninewells Cancer Campaign, said 'The Special Appeal to complete and name such a prestigious building after Jacqui will be a very fitting and lasting tribute to her memory and all she has done for cancer research at Ninewells. It will give the Ninewells Cancer Campaign a focus for fundraising in the future and continue Jacqui’s wish to keep Dundee and Ninewells on the international stage for the benefit of patients.'
Chief Executive of NHS Tayside, Gerry Marr said, 'This is a fitting tribute to Dr Jacqui Wood, who worked tirelessly spearheading the Ninewells Cancer Campaign, helping Dundee gain its reputation as a world renowned centre for cancer research and treatment, and improving the lives of cancer patients immensely.'
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Appeal in memory of Jacqui should make it payable to 'Ninewells Cancer Campaign' and send to Ninewells Cancer Campaign, 1 Cross Row, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN (Tel: 01382 385102).
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
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