The University of Manchester has secured a significant $1.3 million donation from a US alumna to bolster its cancer research initiatives.
- This substantial contribution forms the Sear Family Cancer Research Fund within the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester’s endowment.
- An early-career researcher, Gala Konteva, has been recruited to spearhead a PhD project focusing on improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.
- Judith Sear, a long-time benefactor, facilitates this through her family’s enduring support, motivated by personal experiences with cancer.
- Manchester is positioned as a leading hub for cancer research, thanks to collaborative efforts with the Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
The University of Manchester has received a noteworthy donation of $1.3 million from Judith Sear, a former student, aimed at supporting cancer research. This generous gift has established the Sear Family Cancer Research Fund, a dedicated fund within the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM)’s endowment.
The first important initiative funded is a four-year PhD project helmed by Gala Konteva. Her research aims to enhance treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients by investigating a protein called p38α, a significant part of the MAPK signalling pathway, which plays a dual role in cancer and immune responses. Konteva’s research on peptide inhibitors could potentially lead to breakthroughs in targeted lung cancer therapies.
Judith Sear’s connection to the University dates back to the 1960s when she studied there with her late husband. Their consistent generosity has seen them support various academic and cultural projects, including the Manchester Access Programme and the Whitworth Art Gallery. Judith Sear’s motivation to donate stems from personal encounters with cancer, which she emphasised in her statement, highlighting how it has impacted her family across generations.
NAFUM, an independent foundation, enables North American donors to support the University’s initiatives efficiently. Judith Sear, a long-standing NAFUM board member, encourages others to contribute, citing the significant impact of such donations on advancing cancer research globally.
Manchester’s role as a prominent cancer research centre is strengthened by collaborations with Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Professor Stephen Taylor highlights the ever-evolving nature of cancer research and the crucial role of international donations in furthering this work.
Donations from overseas philanthropists play a crucial role in advancing cancer treatment discoveries at the University of Manchester.
