Prof Sir David Lane appointed to CR-UK and Singapore posts

The University has welcomed the appointments of Professor Sir David Lane as the first Chief Scientist for Cancer Research UK and as Chair of Singapore's Biomedical Research Council.

Professor Lane is set to return to his main research base in Dundee - where he will spend the majority of his time - at the end of this year, and his new roles will complement the work he carries out at the University, where he is developing new drug discovery programmes.

The Principal Sir Alan Langlands said, "We are delighted to hear of Sir David Lane's part-time appointments as Chief Scientist of Cancer Research UK and Chair of the Biomedical Research Council in Singapore. The University has a long and successful association with Cancer Research UK and a growing relationship with the Life Sciences community in Singapore."

"We are especially pleased that David's main research base will continue to be in Dundee when he returns to the UK at the end of this year."

Professor Lane, one of the world's 'superstars of biomedicine', discovered the p53 protein which plays a central role in preventing cancer. In half of all cancers, including breast, bowel, lung, prostate and skin, the protein is damaged or inactivated.

Scientists are currently researching ways to repair or reactivate p53 in the tumours of patients.

Professor Lane is Director of the Cancer Research UK Cell Transformation Research Group and Professor of Oncology at the University of Dundee, where his group is discovering new ways to control p53.

His work has been funded by Cancer Research UK for over 30 years. He joins the charity as Chief Scientist on a part-time basis, enabling him to continue his existing appointments as well as research responsibilities, in both the UK and Singapore.

He currently leads Singapore's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) as well as the Experimental Therapeutics Centre, which are both part of the country's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). A*STAR today announced that he will also chair its Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) with effect from 1 July 2007.

Professor Lane said, "Cancer is a global problem requiring a global effort to research the causes of the disease and find new ways to prevent and treat it."

"This exciting new role at Cancer Research UK offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of cancer science. The charity is now a major international organisation that can have a world leading role in the fight against cancer."

"In addition, collaboration between the UK and Singapore will bring enormous benefits to both countries' translational research programmes."

The University of Dundee and A*STAR share a co-operative relationship in joint research, education and training in life sciences, building on the international expertise and reputation both institutions hold in the field.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two institutions in 2006, orchestrated by Professor Birgit Lane, initiated a flow of top quality postgraduate students from Singapore to Dundee.