POSTGRADUATE PROSPECTUS

T H E I N S T I T U T E O F C A N C E R R E S E A R C H , LO N D O N

Contents
Welcome from Academic Dean - Professor Alan Horwich Vision and Mission 10 Reasons to Choose the ICR Meet the Student President Meet our Alumni ICR Research Sections: Chelsea Site The Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre Gene Function and Regulation Structural Biology Cell and Molecular Biology (including the Cancer Research UK Tumour Cell Signalling Unit) Sutton Site Cancer Therapeutics (including the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit) Cancer Research UK/EPSRC Imaging Centre Epidemiology Joint Department of Physics Academic Radiotherapy and Department of Radiotherapy (including the Psychology Research Group) Clinical Trials Cancer Genetics Paediatric Oncology Haemato-oncology Medicine Molecular Carcinogenesis Our Campus Student Support and Resources e-Learning Resources Library and Information Services The Registry Learning and Development Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity Confidentiality and Data Protection How to Apply Senior Officers and Academic Deans Team 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 28 28 29 30 11 12 12 13 3 4 5 8 9

Welcome from Academic Dean

The Institute of Cancer Research is at the forefront of science in the fight against cancer and we are proud of our international reputation. This prospectus is designed to give you a flavour of life here by introducing our wide variety of research activities and it advises on the next steps if you want to develop your career with us in this dynamic environment. Cancer research itself in all its many aspects offers unparalleled challenges, intellectually and practically, in a very wide range of subjects, including physics and chemistry as well as cell and molecular biology. The ICR is fortunate in its close partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, which facilitates translational research. Our Scientific Strategy is based around exploiting knowledge of cancer genes for patient benefit, achieved through development of therapeutic technologies, discovery of better tools for diagnosis and clinical monitoring, and analysis of how genetic background may predispose to cancer and influence response to therapy. The ICR has made many important contributions to cancer research through its focus on a combination of genetics, molecular biology, drug discovery and development, and cancer diagnosis and treatment. The quality of our research was affirmed by the Higher Education Funding Councils Research Assessment Exercise in 2008. The Times Higher Education analysis of these results ranked us first amongst all UK universities entering more than one subject area of assessment, with 37% of our research scoring 4 star (world-leading) and a further 42% scoring 3 star (internationally excellent). As well as high standards of research, we seek to provide high quality training for all our graduate students. We have a programme of academic activities designed to complement the day-to-day research laboratory experience of science. We want your time with us to be fruitful, productive and enjoyable and we aim to equip you with a range of outstanding skills as a springboard for your future career. We are proud that our graduates have gone on to make significant discoveries in the field of cancer research and treatment, thereby improving and enriching the lives of many people. Thank you for the interest you have shown in our work and good luck in your research career.

Professor Alan Horwich

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Vision and Mission

Our Vision
Is that people may live their lives free from the fear of cancer as a life threatening disease

Our Mission
Is to relieve human suffering by pursuing excellence in the fight against cancer through: Research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis and methods of treatment of cancer Education and advanced training of medical and scientific staff Treatment and care of the highest quality for cancer patients Attraction and development of resources to the optimum effect

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10 Reasons to Choose the ICR

1 Excellent Financial Support
PhD studentships funded by the ICR, Cancer Research UK, MRC or EPSRC are supported for four years. The 2011/12 non-taxable stipend will be 19,500 (inner London - Chelsea) or 18,180 (outer London Sutton). A number of Wellcome Trust studentships with higher stipends are also available.

2 University of London Degree and Benefits

We are a College of the University of London and as such our students graduate from a globally recognised world leader in higher education. All our students have full access to The University of London Union (ULU) sports clubs, societies and facilities including gym, swimming pool, cafes, bars and music venues.

3 Support from World-Class Researchers

All our students receive advanced scientific training at the cutting edge of cancer research guided by a faculty of world-class researchers. To date, all of our PhD submissions have been successful. In 2007 we were third highest in the Higher Education Funding Council for Englands report on Research Degree Qualification Rates, and our qualification rates remain high.

4 Proven Scientific Excellence

Our record of achievement in understanding the genetic epidemiology and molecular pathology of cancer and our work in the area of therapeutic development is second-to-none. We are the most effective University in the UK in terms of the impact on our scientific peers of our published work in biomedical sciences (Source: Evidence Ltd). The quality of our research was affirmed by the Times Higher Educations interpretation of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, which ranked the ICR as the UKs top academic research centre.

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5 Cutting-edge Scientific Facilities

More than 90% of the ICRs laboratory estate has been built anew or refurbished over the last 10 years, ensuring that we have modern and efficient laboratories. The ICR has just completed a fiveyear programme during which we invested over 8 million in new scientific initiatives involving the recruitment of additional world-class researchers to our faculty and the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment.

6 Ability to Conduct Translational Research

Close collaboration between our Research Sections and our partnership with The Royal Marsden enhances our ability to translate research findings into patient benefit. In the last 10 years, the ICR has taken 10 cancer drugs into clinical trials, an achievement unmatched anywhere in the world.

7 On-site Sport and Social Facilities

Our Student Committee organises a range of on-site sporting and social activities to connect students across both our sites:

Chelsea
Our central-London location provides easy access to a huge variety of cafes, bars and restaurants as well as countless historical and modern attractions. We run a number of sports clubs on a regular basis, such as a highly successful cricket team.

Sutton
We offer a range of on-site sporting facilities including a swimming pool, gym, and tennis and squash courts. Sports clubs include yoga, karate, circuit training and ultimate Frisbee. During the summer, we hold a Mini-Olympics, which sees mixed teams competing against each other in a variety of sports including swimming, squash, table tennis and video games! Traditionally, our students organise a barbeque to celebrate the sporting event at the Finals Night.

pH Bar
The pH bar, located at our Sutton site, is open every Thursday and Friday and has cheap drinks, pool and snooker tables, dart board and table football. All ICR staff have access to the bar, which is run entirely by student and staff volunteers.

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The diversity of our students enriches academic and social life at the ICR; we have students from all over the world. China, Greece, India, Israel, Korea and Spain are just a few of the countries represented.
8 Access to Tailored Resources
We have award-winning resources for PhD students written by our Interactive Education Unit: Perspectives in Oncology - the cancer science website and a Study Skills website.

9 Comprehensive Learning and Development

We provide a wide range of forums and activities to support the personal and professional development of our students. These include research group seminars, the ICRs Annual Conference, an extensive guest seminar programme and a Science Communication Course. Students are also encouraged and supported to attend and present at national and international conferences, such as AACR. We provide all our students with 10 days personal development per annum.

10 More than an Education

The diversity of our students enriches academic and social life at the ICR; we have students from all over the world. China, Greece, India, Israel, Korea and Spain are just a few of the countries represented. We not only provide our students with first-class scientific training but also the opportunity to make life-long friends and meet potential scientific collaborators.

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Meet The Student President

Jamie Mallinson
Jamie began his PhD entitled Functionalised Macrocycles as Scaffolds for the Discovery of Novel Protein Kinase Inhibitors at the ICR in 2009 under the supervision of Dr Ian Collins in the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit. In January 2010, Jamie was voted Student President of the ICR Student Committee; he is also a student representative on the Ups Club committee. After spending time in industry labs as an undergraduate, Jamies comparative impression of the facilities and research at the ICR helped make his decision to apply for his PhD. The labs at the ICR are of the highest standard, and are comparable to those found in industry. They are very well equipped and have the latest technologies he explains. Jamie was impressed by the scope of research being undertaken at the ICR: I think being exposed to both academic research and drug discovery at the ICR really prepares you for the future. Along with his challenging PhD project, Jamie has taken on the responsibilities of Student President where he makes sure that the student opinion is listened to. Since being voted into the role by other students in the annual elections, he has organised and chaired various meetings for the Student Committee the student run organisation which mediates communication between students and the ICR. The Student Committee represents all students at the ICR, and is involved in decision making at all levels, Jamie explains. The Committee is always involved in major decisions that affect students. For example, we were involved in the discussions and debates about the introduction of plagiarism detection software.

There is regular feedback between the Student Committee and the ICR in order to continually improve the standard of our education.
As well as helping students to have their say on academic matters, Jamie helps coordinate the sports and social activities available at the ICRs Ups Club, including the Mini-Olympics Finals night party: There are many students from varied backgrounds, and all are really friendly. We have loads of great scientific discussions, but also a lot of fun socially.

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Meet Our Alumni

Dr Katy Everett
Katy graduated from the ICR in 2009 with a PhD gained under the supervision of Dr Matilda Katan in the Section of Cell and Molecular Biology. She currently works within the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, specialising in cross-talk between calcium and cyclic AMP signalling pathways. Katys application to the ICR followed an interest in her PhD title, Molecular Mechanisms of Regulation in Phospholipase C gamma enzymes, and Dr Matilda Katans research in the Lipid Signalling Team. She was further attracted by the ICRs research reputation, facilities and the city setting of the Chelsea site. Katy found her project, which was investigating mutations of the Phospholipase C gamma enzymes (PLC gamma), both challenging and stimulating: The PLC gamma enzymes, PLC gamma 1 and PLC gamma 2, are activated downstream of receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. PLC gamma 1 has a role in cell motility and may act as a common rate limiting step in cancer cell motility downstream from activated growth factors and integrins. PLC gamma 2 expression is highest in blood cells and disrupting normal PLC gamma 2 function in mice results in a phenotype with similarities to human immune diseases. Although the pathways that activate PLC gamma isoforms have been well studied, the molecular mechanisms involved in their regulation through auto-inhibition and activation are not well defined. We introduced a variety of mutations to PLC gamma 1 and PLC gamma 2 domains to investigate the mechanisms involved in regulation. Observations supported the idea that the catalytic domain, and a group of domains known as the specific array, are essential for regulation of PLC gamma activity. The mutants we described may prove to be useful tools for studying signalling networks involving PLC gamma isoforms. Throughout her PhD, Katy was supported by both her supervisor and the other enthusiastic researchers in her lab: Dr Katan made time to discuss students projects with them and was particularly helpful in giving feedback when it was time to write up.

I would recommend the ICR as a supportive and well-funded place to do a PhD.

Outside of her project, Katy enjoyed the social activities on offer to students, and was a member of the student committee for two years and a student representative on the Academic Board. Following her time at the ICR, Katy has found that the research she carried out has been invaluable in developing her career: During my PhD I was able to contribute to various papers, which really opened up more options when applying for postdoctoral jobs.

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Dr Matthew Gold
Matthew graduated from the ICR with a PhD in 2007 under the supervision of Professor David Barford in the Section of Structural Biology. He is now on an overseas research adventure in Seattle as a Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Research Fellow. He specialises in the regulation of signalling by scaffold proteins. Matthew became interested in structural biology during his time as an undergraduate at Cambridge. In his final year, he searched for the best structural biology lab in the UK in which to pursue this interest. My undergraduate research project advisor recommended the Structural Biology department at the ICR. I was attracted by my supervisors research, the PhD topic and the unique facilities. Plus, I was impressed by the fantastic quality of research taking place within the other ICR sections. After a successful application, Matthew went on to investigate a class of signal-organising proteins called A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs): AKAPs direct the action of protein kinase A (PKA), which is a critical regulator of many biological processes, including cell growth, heart rate and memory formation. In the course of my research, I solved the three-dimensional structure of the key PKA-AKAP interface, which establishes the molecular basis for PKA anchoring. I also determined another crystal structure, which revealed that one AKAP (AKAP18) can bind to the small molecule AMP this was an unexpected clue to its function. Matthew found his supervisor to be supportive, encouraging and knowledgeable: David was brilliant at answering my questions, he allowed me freedom to explore my ideas, and his dedication and enthusiasm for science set an excellent example. I used some of my funding to pay for a distancelearning qualification in Protein Crystallography, to also attend conferences and to foster overseas collaborations.

One of my lasting memories as an ICR graduate student is stumbling out of the synchrotron facility in Grenoble in the early hours of the morning in pitch darkness under heavy snowfall we solved the AKAP18 crystal structure on that trip!

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Our Research Sections

The Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre Director: Professor Alan Ashworth FRS
The Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre supports a programme of cutting-edge biological research to tackle breast cancer, to discover the causes of the disease, find methods of prevention, and develop new treatments and more effective methods for diagnosis. The Centre has very good interactions with those involved in breast cancer patient care in The Royal Marsden. The Centre has significant core facilities and a very active programme of seminars and meetings. Apoptosis Cancer Informatics Drug Target Discovery Gene Function Mammary Stem Cells Molecular Cell Biology Molecular Pathology Endocrinology Professor Pascal Meier Dr Marketa Zvelebil Dr Spiros Linardopoulos Professor Alan Ashworth FRS Dr Matthew Smalley Professor Clare Isacke Dr Jorge Reis-Filho Professor Mitch Dowsett

The Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the ICR supports a programme of cutting-edge biological research to tackle breast cancer, to discover the causes of the disease, find methods of prevention, and develop new treatments and more effective methods for diagnosis.

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Section of Gene Function & Regulation Chairman: Professor Peter Rigby FRS
The overall strategy of the Section of Gene Function and Regulation is to pursue basic research into normal developmental and differentiation processes and gain insight into the underlying mechanisms at the level of gene expression and also chromatin structure. This research is the prerogative of basic biological science and, since many of the genes that are disrupted or dysregulated in cancer are regulators of developmental and differentiation processes, this programme of work is likely to provide significant insight into cancer mechanisms. The Section particularly focuses on pathways, systems or processes with obvious cancer relevance. Molecular Embryology Sexual Development Professor Peter Rigby FRS Dr Amanda Swain

Section of Structural Biology Joint Chairmen: Professor David Barford FRS & Professor Dale Wigley FRS
Research teams in the Section of Structural Biology apply techniques of X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, biophysics, biochemistry and molecular biology to understand the structural basis for the function and regulation of proteins and complexes implicated in cancer. Our programmes cover a range of key molecular systems and processes, including signal transduction, cell-cycle control, transcriptional regulation, targeted protein destruction,chaperone function, DNA repair, chromatin modification and chromosome dynamics. In addition to our basic science programmes, we maintain close links with groups in the ICR and beyond, in order to develop new therapeutics targeted at these systems using structure-based drug design. Barford Group Wigley Group Chromatin Regulation Mitotic Regulation & Cancer Structural Electron Microscopy Structure-based Drug Design Professor David Barford FRS Professor Dale Wigley FRS Dr Jon Wilson Dr Richard Bayliss Dr Ed Morris Dr Robert van Montfort

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Section of Cell & Molecular Biology (including the Cancer Research UK Tumour Cell Signalling Unit) Chairman: Professor Chris Marshall FRS Deputy Chairman: Professor Richard Marais
The Section of Cell and Molecular Biology encompasses a wide range of activities, from studies of gene therapy of cancer to studies on the mechanism of protein folding. This range of activities reflects the underlying approach of studying basic molecular and cell biology to underpin the identification of new strategies for cancer therapeutics. A significant element of the work in the Section is funded through the Cancer Research UK Programme on Tumour Cell Signalling Networks. Much of the research in the Section focuses on the molecular dissection of cancer genes and how this affects cell signalling. A new initiative within the Section is systems biology, where we exploit computational biology and network based analysis to understand signalling in tumours. Antioncogene Cell Communication Cellular & Molecular Logic Dynamical Cell Systems Hypoxia & Metastasis Lipid Signalling Oncogene Team Protein Folding & Assembly Protein Networks Signal Transduction Targeted Therapy Professor Sybille Mittnacht Dr Claus Jorgensen Dr Rune Linding Dr Chris Bakal Dr Janine Erler Dr Matilda Katan Professor Chris Marshall FRS Professor Keith Willison Dr Paul Huang Professor Richard Marais Dr Kevin Harrington

The Section of Cell and Molecular Biology encompasses a wide range of activities, from studies on gene therapy of cancer to studies on the mechanism of protein folding.

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Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit Section Chairman & Centre Director: Professor Paul Workman Deputy Chairman/Director & Head of Chemistry: Professor Julian Blagg
The Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit is a unique academic drug discovery group. Its mission is to discover novel and effective small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Primary aims include: To identify and validate novel genes and pathways as targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer To implement innovative technologies for drug discovery By these means, to discover novel mechanism-based preclinical drug candidates and to progress these as rapidly as possible from the laboratory through to hypothesis-testing early clinical trials As a result, to contribute to the improved treatment of human cancers Dr Michelle Garrett Professor Ian Judson & Dr Udai Banerji Dr Bissan Al-Lazikani Professor Caroline Springer Professor Julian Blagg Dr Ian Collins Professor Keith Jones Dr Swen Hoelder Professor Paul Workman Dr Rob van Montfort Dr Spiros Linardopoulos Dr Suzanne Eccles

Cell Cycle Control Clinical Pharmacology & Trials Computational Biology & Chemogenomics Gene & Oncogene Targeting Medicinal Chemistry Team One Medicinal Chemistry Team Two Medicinal Chemistry Team Three Medicinal Chemistry Team Four Signal Transduction & Molecular Pharmacology Hit Discovery & Structural Design Target Discovery & Apoptosis Tumour Biology & Metastasis

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Cancer Research UK/Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Imaging Centre Joint Chairmen: Professors Martin Leach & Nandita deSouza
Facilities in the Cancer Research UK/EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre are primarily focused on Clinical Magnetic Resonance (MR), and include: two clinical 1.5-T MR scanners, a 3T clinical scanner, together with 7-T and 11.7-T experimental systems, and a further 11.7T system being installed. The primary research focus has been on defining the role of MR in cancer diagnosis, staging, and response assessment. Other functional methods are being developed, including preclinical Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) (equipment currently being commissioned) and experimental optoacoustic imaging. These techniques are being evaluated in a multimodality approach as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers, particularly for determining the action of and response to novel therapeutic agents. All approaches are increasingly using quantitative methodologies. The Section is also developing and assessing novel imaging methods for radiotherapy planning, developing improved analysis for breast cancer, and exploring basic technologies such as dynamic nuclear polarisation. The Section has provided analysis methods to academic centres and industry, and has reported methods in cancer. Imaging Professors Martin Leach/ Nandita deSouza

Section of Epidemiology Chairman: Professor Anthony Swerdlow

The Section of Epidemiology is involved in studies of the aetiology of cancer, cancer genetics and occupational epidemiology. There is a particular focus on breast cancer, but also substantial work on several other cancers including brain tumours, leukaemia, cervical cancer and mesothelioma. Several large cohort studies are being undertaken, including the Breakthrough Generations Study in collaboration with the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre. Our genetic studies are carried out in collaboration with the Section of Cancer Genetics and the Academic Department of Biochemistry. Several of our studies are conducted in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Aetiological Epidemiology Molecular Epidemiology Professor Anthony Swerdlow Professor Monste Garcia-Closas

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Joint Department of Physics Section Chairman: Professor Steve Webb

The mission of the Joint Department of Physics, which spans both The Royal Marsden and the ICR, is to develop and apply techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Within The Royal Marsden, the major roles of the Department are to provide support for the clinical activities of radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and radiology and to manage a radiation protection service. Within the ICR, the Section pursues a research and postgraduate teaching programme. Major research areas include: conformal, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiotherapy, radiopharmaceutical development, biologically targeted radionuclide therapy, high-focused ultrasound therapy, ultrasound and X-ray imaging, detector development and diagnostic imaging. The Department conducts research into physics as applied to medicine and then acts as the translator of this research into clinical practice. Clinical Radiotherapy Physics (Fulham) Clinical Radiotherapy Physics (Sutton) Radioisotope Physics Radiological Physics Radiotherapy Physics Multimodal Molecular Imaging Therapeutic Ultrasound Ultrasound & Optical Imaging Miss Margaret Bidmead Mr Jim Warrington Dr Glenn Flux Mr Jim Thurston Professor Steve Webb/Dr Phil Evans/ Dr Mike Partridge Dr Dimitra Darambara Dr Gail ter Haar Dr Jeffrey Bamber

The mission of the Joint Department of Physics, which spans both The Royal Marsden and the ICR, is to develop and apply techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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Section of Academic Radiotherapy & Department of Radiotherapy (including Psychology Research Group) Chairman: Professor Alan Horwich
The main research theme of the Section of Radiotherapy is the development and application of radiotherapy techniques, and there is extensive collaboration with the Joint Physics Department. Current themes include: applications of functional imaging; assessment of image guidance, such as with cone-beam Computed Tomography (CT) or Calypso seeds; developments in delivery including Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Cyberknife. New methods of external beam radiation require research relating to definition of target volumes, quantification of benefits from refined treatment planning methods (including dose-volume toxicity modelling), implementation and assessment of radiation beam delivery techniques, and careful quality assurance to ensure the safety of new techniques in a clinical context. Alongside applications of physics research, we investigate possible drug-radiation synergies. Our research aims to improve radiotherapy in selected situations, to optimise techniques and to evaluate the benefit of these approaches to the health service. Bladder Cancer/Testicular Cancer Breast Cancer Head & Neck Cancers Lung/CNS Tumours Prostate Cancer Prostate Cancer Psychology Research Group Testicular Cancer/Lymphomas Dr Robert Huddart Professor John Yarnold Dr Christopher Nutting Professor Michael Brada Professor David Dearnaley Dr Christopher Parker Dr Maggie Watson Professor Alan Horwich

Section of Clinical Trials Chairman: Professor Judith Bliss

The Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) was established in the 1980s at the ICR as part of the Section of Epidemiology. In January 2004, the ICR-CTSU was established as an independent research section (Section of Clinical Trials) in recognition of its growth and National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) accreditation. The main objective of the ICR-CTSU is to design, initiate, conduct and analyse national and international randomised clinical trials of cancer treatment which will directly influence routine clinical practice within the National Health Service and worldwide.

Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU) Deputy Director - Research Deputy Director - Operations

Professor Judith Bliss Dr Emma Hall Miss Claire Snowdon

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Section of Cancer Genetics Chairman: Professor Nazneen Rahman

The focus of the Section of Cancer Genetics is the study of inherited susceptibility to cancer. Genetic factors that increase the risk of cancer occurring are relevant to most types of cancer. Some of these susceptibility genes are associated with high risks of cancers and can lead to familial clustering of the disease and/or cancer syndromes. However, they are rare in the population and make a small contribution to the overall cancer burden. More recently, genetic factors that cause small increases in the risk of an individual developing cancer have been discovered. Although the individual effect of these variants is minor, they are often common in the population and therefore can make an appreciable contribution to the disease. Research programmes within the Section use multiple methods to investigate predisposition to a wide range of cancers, including breast, colorectal, prostate, testicular, childhood cancers, and leukaemias. The primary aim of the Section is to identify cancer predisposition genes and characterise their prevalence and risk in order to shape clinical practice. Genetic Susceptibility Molecular & Population Genetics Translational Cancer Genetics Professor Nazneen Rahman Professor Richard Houlston Professor Rosalind Eeles

Section of Paediatric Oncology Chairman: Professor Andy Pearson

The aim of the Section of Paediatric Oncology is to improve survival for the 25% of children with cancer who, at present, die from their disease. To achieve this aim, the overall focus of the Section is the development of new anti-cancer agents that specifically target the genetic abnormalities that cause malignancies in childhood and in young people. The Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology Targeted Drug Development Programme at the ICR/ The Royal Marsden has been created to fulfil the international unmet need in drug discovery for children with cancer. Through this programme it is envisaged that there will be further improvement in survival of children and young people with cancer. A central theme of the programme is the translation of laboratory research to clinical trials, which will ultimately alter international practice in paediatric oncology. Neuroblastoma Drug Development Paediatric Drug Development Paediatric Molecular Pathology Dr Louis Chesler Professor Andy Pearson Dr Chris Jones

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Section of Haemato-oncology Chairman: Professor Mel Greaves FRS

The Section of Haemato-oncology is an integrated Section that brings together basic laboratory research, molecular diagnostics and treatment of the blood cell cancers of adults and children (acute and chronic leukaemias, lymphomas and myeloma). The Sections major objectives are: To uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of leukaemias, lymphomas and myeloma (i.e. the blood cell cancers)

To apply this knowledge to achieve two practical goals: (a) to advance our understanding of the aetiology of leukaemia leading in the long term to the introduction of preventive measures and (b) to improve the management of patients via the development of new molecular tools for differential diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and treatment Professor Mel Greaves FRS Professor Gareth Morgan Dr Faith Davies Dr Tomoyuki Sawado Dr Arthur Zelent

Biology of Childhood Leukaemia Leukaemia & Myeloma Molecular Genetics Myeloma Targeted Treatment Stem Cells & Chromatin Transcriptional Controls in Leukaemia

The Section of Haemato-oncology is an integrated Section that brings together basic laboratory research, molecular diagnostics and treatment of the blood cell cancers of adults and children.

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Section of Medicine Chairman: Professor Stan Kaye

The Section of Medicine has the following major spheres of activity: Joint responsibility (with the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit) for the Drug Development Unit, based at The Royal Marsden. The clinical facility is housed in Oak Ward, and the total staff is more than 80. The Unit sees upwards of 500 patients per year for new drug treatment, and with around 30 open trials at any one time, it is one of the largest such units in the world. Senior investigators are Professor Stan Kaye, Dr Johann de Bono, Dr Udai Banerji and Dr Rhoda Molife A laboratory programme focused on drug discovery and development in ovarian cancer. Professor Robert Brown (joint appointment with Imperial College) leads a team in conjunction with Professor Stan Kaye aiming to identify new forms of epigenetic therapy in the context of drug resistant disease A translational research programme, in conjunction with the Drug Development Unit, focusing on identifying cancer biomarkers in the context of new drug evaluation. This is led by Dr Johann de Bono, who also has a specific interest in prostate cancer (utilising circulating tumour cells) An integrative programme of core clinical fellows, linking the Section of Medicine to other ICR Sections. These comprise clinical fellows in ovarian cancer drug development (supervised by Professor Stan Kaye, Dr Udai Banerji and Professor Paul Workman of the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit); and in prostate cancer (supervised by Dr Johann de Bono and Professor Colin Cooper in the Prostate Collaborative)

Breast Cancer Gastrointestinal Cancer Lung Cancer Sarcoma Melanoma/Renal/Gynaecological Cancer Prostate Cancer/Drug Evaluation Gynaecological Cancer/Drug Evaluation Drug Evaluation Epigenetics

Professor Ian Smith/ Professor Stephen Johnston Professor David Cunningham Dr Mary OBrien Professor Ian Judson Professor Martin Gore Dr Johann de Bono Professor Stan Kaye Dr Udai Banerji Professor Robert Brown /Dr Rhoda Molife

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Section of Molecular Carcinogenesis Chairman: Professor Colin Cooper

A major theme of the work of the Section is the application of the latest molecular biological technologies to clinical problems identified through our links with The Royal Marsden. Genomic information and new technologies generated from the Cancer Genome Project have extended the focus to include research into identifying new prognostic and diagnostic markers that may be of use in the management of sarcomas and cancer of the prostate and testis. Agents potentially responsible for many human cancers are still to be identified, and a major objective of Professor David Phillips team is to identify new classes of chemicals that may contribute to cancer development. Dr Janet Shipley collaborates closely with colleagues from the Section of Paediatric Oncology to utilise fully the increasing amount of high quality genetic information that is becoming available from the Human Genome Project. Cell Transformation Human Biomonitoring & Carcinogen Activation Molecular Cytogenetics Professor Colin Cooper Professor David Phillips Dr Janet Shipley

A major theme of the work of the Section of Molecular Carcinogenesis is the application of the latest molecular biological technologies to clinical problems identified through our links with The Royal Marsden.

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Our Campus
Chelsea Site
London has a packed programme of festivals and events running throughout the year, together with museums, art galleries and concert halls, West End theatres and cinemas, restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars, catering for all tastes. It is the centre of politics and government with many famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, St Pauls Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, the Royal Albert Hall, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. There are beautiful and surprisingly large green spaces, such as Hyde Park, Regents Park, Hampstead Heath and the Botanical Gardens at Kew. The ICR is situated in the heart of fashionable Chelsea with its designer shops, bars and restaurants, only a stones throw away from the famous Kings Road and a short walk away from the museums of South Kensington.

View a map and directions to the ICR at Chelsea

Sutton Site
Only twelve miles from central London, Sutton is located in Surrey, close to the rolling North Downs. The historic towns of Guildford and Kingston are nearby, and the south coast and the popular resort of Brighton are only an hour away by car. Sutton is a modern town with all the major shops, together with restaurants, pubs, cinemas and many amateur theatre and musical groups.

View a map and directions to the ICR at Sutton

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Student Support and Resources

Academic Support
The ICR has well-defined procedures for monitoring research student progress and provides support and training to students and supervisors. The Academic Dean and his panel of advisors vet all projects. All projects, regardless of the source of funding, must be underwritten by the Section Chair (Head of Department) to ensure continuity. Only members of the ICRs rigorously selected faculty are permitted to supervise students. Faculty members are highly experienced project and resource managers who, nevertheless, are required to undergo formal training in supervision before they take on research students, and also attend periodic update sessions. All students also have a back-up supervisor and, in some cases, an associate supervisor as well; the supervisors are collectively referred to as the supervisory team. Supervisors submit reports on the work of their students to the Deans Team at least once a year, highlighting any problem areas if appropriate. In years 1-3 students have an annual review with the Deputy Dean or a Senior Tutor to review progress; in the final year they have three monthly meetings with the Deputy Dean/Senior Tutor. A major review is undertaken after the end of the first year, when the decision to transfer from MPhil to PhD is made. Students submit a comprehensive report of between 2,000 and 3,000 words, including a critique of the work already carried out and a discussion of the future development of the project, and are then examined orally by the supervisory team and an independent (internal) assessor. At 30 months (2 years and 6 months), students submit a shorter report, and in the third year they submit a thesis plan. Students are required to keep a portfolio, which is a comprehensive record of their learning and achievement, including any formal training undertaken during their programme of study at the ICR. The detail of portfolio content is agreed between the student and the supervisory team and the portfolio is reviewed by a member of the Deans Team as part of the annual monitoring process. All students are provided with their skeleton portfolio in their first term. Submission rates and external examiner reports are monitored by the ICRs Academic Committees.

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Resources for Research Students

The ICRs Interactive Education Unit (IEU) has developed two educational websites to provide background knowledge and training for all research degree students. Study Skills provides tips on transferable skills in areas relevant to completing a scientific research degree, while Perspectives in Oncology provides a thorough and connected grounding in relevant aspects of cancer science and treatment. These resources provide self-directed learning in areas not covered by lectures, and are designed for researchers to complete at a convenient time and location. They are also designed to accommodate different levels of understanding in a subject matter. Study Skills website This provides advice and guidance on a range of transferable skills relevant to study for a research degree, but can also be applied in future employment both inside and outside of the laboratory setting. Topics include scientific writing, time management and organisational skills, preparing and presenting seminars, critical reading, and understanding intellectual property. Perspectives in Oncology - the cancer science website This gives students from all academic backgrounds an overview of the field of cancer science and provides an insight into how the various disciplines together help reveal the nature of cancer, the mechanisms underlying its development and spread, and how it can be managed, treated and prevented. Current modules are: Cancer causes and prevention; Tumour genetics; Common cancers; An approach to therapies; Bioinformatics; Medical physics; Basics of tumour biology and Cell signalling. Additional modules currently being written are Structural biology and Experimental therapeutics. Find out more about The Interactive Education Unit

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Library and Information Services

The ICR has libraries on both sites, with 24-hour access available for registered users. Qualified library staff are available to help with any enquiries. We have 5,000 electronic journal subscriptions, covering a number of specialist scientific and clinical fields, including biochemistry, chemistry, cell biology, genetics, pharmacology, oncology, medical physics, immunology, surgery and anaesthetics. These can be accessed in the library, on desktops throughout the ICR, or elsewhere. Where possible, physical copies of these journals are also available, and the library has access to a growing number of electronic archives. There are 5,000 books held between the two libraries -- covering all of the scientific and clinical research areas of interest -- and the library catalogue is available on the Internet. Online databases and resources currently available for use both in the library and off-site include PubMed, Cochrane Library, Faculty of 1000 Biology, Reaxys, Web of Knowledge and Zetoc. A series of online scientific lectures (the Henry Stewart Talks) is also available. The libraries in both Chelsea and Sutton provide pleasant areas with numerous spaces for users to browse the collections. In both libraries there are dedicated PhD study rooms, with PCs and printing facilities available for readers, as well as plug sockets, network ports and wireless access for laptop use.

Find out more about Library and Information Services

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The Registry
The Registry has responsibility for student-related administration, including: Studentships Recruitment and admissions Enrolment Student records Statutory reporting of student data Student examinations and assessments/external examining Degree Ceremony organisation Developing higher education (HE) quality assurance and quality enhancement procedures Servicing a number of academic and non-academic related committees Servicing the Academic Deans meetings and business of the Academic Deans Team Handling student cases Arranging conferences and lectures Liaison with HE government agencies, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and the University of London Involvement in taught course support, administration, teaching and learning Registry staff are available to assist with queries or problems that may arise during your programme of study

Learning and Development

The Learning and Development team provides a wide range of activities to support the personal and professional development of students. These are based on the recommendations of the Research Councils as to the key skills needed to build a successful research career - research skills and techniques, knowledge of the research environment, research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, teamworking, networking skills and career management. We aim to provide all researchers with 10 days personal development per annum consisting of classroom training courses, online learning, seminars on cutting-edge scientific techniques and work-based coaching. We also provide internal and external careers advice and information to students.

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Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity

The ICR promotes equality of opportunity in employment and teaching and opposes all forms of unlawful discrimination on the grounds of any of the characteristics protected by law (race, sex, age religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment). The ICR also recognises that discrimination can arise from other social factors, such as caring responsibilities and personal background, and we are committed to creating an environment where each individuals participation and advancement is based purely on merit. The ICR will not tolerate discrimination by any of its staff or students. Unlawful discrimination and harassment are regarded as gross misconduct and will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

Support for Disabled Students

The ICR aims to meet the needs of all students and considers each individual on academic merit. The ICR has successfully supported students with a range of disabilities and we take care to ensure that information, advice and a support service are available to students who have welfare or disability issues. The ICR has a student guide to disability services that outlines the support we offer to students. If you have any questions relating to your disability and studying at the ICR, you can contact the Academic Registry at any stage in your application for advice and further information.

The ICR aims to meet the needs of all students and considers each individual on academic merit.

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Confidentiality
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, any information you disclose regarding your disability and/or additional needs will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and information about your disability will not be passed on without your specific consent. Please bear in mind that without knowledge of your disability, it may be difficult to fully support your needs and make the necessary adjustments. As the ICR is predominantly a laboratory-based environment, it is important that students who work in a laboratory inform their tutors of any relevant medical condition for health and safety purposes.

Data Protection
The ICR is committed to responsible data processing in accordance with its legal obligations as a data controller under The Data Protection Act 1998 (the Act) and associated codes of practice issued by the Information Commissioner. Our policy aims to ensure that all individuals about whom the ICR processes data are properly informed about the effect of the Act in respect of both their rights and their obligations.

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How to Apply
Eligibility Criteria
Each academic year, the ICR invites applications for 15-20 four-year full-time PhD studentships. In order to apply, students must meet the following criteria: Hold a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject (either expected or obtained) from a UK University OR hold an overseas qualification to the equivalent level Have experience of laboratory or research work; one of your referees must be able to comment on your research experience Have a TOEFL score of 650 (paper-based), 280 (computer-based) or 114 (Internet-based) OR an IELTS score of at least 7. Students without TOEFL or IETLS score should have either education experience in English (min. 1 year) or work experience (min. 18 months)

Application Guidelines
All applications must be made via the online form. A completed application consists of: An online application form, where you have uploaded a summary of a research project and your degree transcript if you are from overseas. Details of two references (one of whom must be able to comment on your research abilities) Your referees will be contacted immediately. They will be emailed a link to a form which they complete. You will receive an email when they have done this. If you do not receive this email, you should contact your referees: it is your responsibility to ensure that we receive your references The deadline for applications is Wednesday 1st December 2010. If your application is successful you will be notified the week commencing Monday 20th December 2010 Interviews will be held from Sunday 30th January Tuesday 1st February 2011.

Links
How to Apply | The ICR Admission Policy | What to Expect at Interview

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Senior Officers and Academic Deans Team

Chief Executive Academic Dean Institute Secretary Scientific Secretary, Registrar and Director of Academic Services Deputy Dean (Biomedical Sciences) Deputy Dean (Clinical Sciences) Senior Tutor (Sutton) Senior Tutor (Sutton) Senior Tutor (Chelsea) Professor Peter Rigby FRS Professor Alan Horwich Mrs Cathy Scivier Dr Barbara Pittam Professor Ann Jackman until December 2010, Professor Keith Jones from January 2011 Professor Michael Brada Dr Jeff Bamber Dr Janet Shipley Professor Pascal Meier

For further information contact:

The Registry The Institute of Cancer Research Sir Richard Doll Building 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton Surrey SM2 5NG Tel: 020 8722 4253 Email: registry@icr.ac.uk Web: www.icr.ac.uk

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