Research into brain tumours to be highlighted

Patients and supporters will be given a rare glimpse of pioneering research into brain tumours at a University of Wolverhampton open day.

The Brain Tumour UK Neuro-Oncology Research Centre will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday, 17 March 2012 from 11am until 2pm.

There will be an opportunity to meet the scientists and learn about the important research carried out at the Centre in the past year.

Visitors will be given a tour of the laboratories so they can see first-hand the latest developments in brain tumour research.

Professor John Darling, a leading neuro-oncologist and Dean of the School of Applied Sciences at the University, said: “We launched the Brain Tumour UK Neuro-Oncology Research Centre in 2010, and since then it has gone from strength to strength. Our work is making serious in-roads into finding the genes that trigger childhood and adult brain tumours and has the potential to make a real difference in the fight against cancer.

“We are looking forward to welcoming patients, carers, medical staff, fundraisers and supporters to meet the scientists and learn about our important research.”

The event at the MA Building at the Wolverhampton City Campus will be informal and relaxed, and visitors can pop in to tour the facilities, meet staff and have a cup of tea. Brain Tumour UK, the UK-wide charity that funds the centre, will be there to talk with visitors about brain tumour research, awareness and support, and why this centre is vital in the fight against this devastating condition.

Jenny Baker, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour UK, said: “We have made a significant ongoing commitment to the research centre, because we believe the University of Wolverhampton team has the potential to make exciting discoveries that will have a real impact on brain tumour diagnosis and treatment within the next five to ten years. Open days like this are an exciting way for the public to see how their support makes a real difference to the lives of everybody affected by brain tumours.”

The Brain Tumour UK Neuro-Oncology Research Centre at the University of Wolverhampton launched in February 2010 to identify the genes that trigger the toughest childhood and adult brain tumours and to develop new forms of chemotherapy to attack them.

The laboratory combines Wolverhampton’s expertise in adult brain cancer with a team from the renowned Institute of Neurology in London led by Dr Tracy Warr, a leading expert in cancerous childhood and so-called “low grade” adult brain tumours.

For more information about the Open Day, email fundraising@braintumouruk.org.uk

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736