A state-of-the-art cancer research centre was officially opened at the Cambridge University by Mr Li Ka-shing, Chairman of Hutchison Whampoa Ltd; and Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation, on 18 May 2002.

Named the Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, the project arises from a collaboration between the Medical Research Council (MRC), the University of Cambridge and Cancer Research UK. Construction of the new building was made possible by a G5.3 million donation from Hutchison Whampoa Limited, to match funding from the MRC.

Mr Li Ka-shing said: "We are pleased to be joining force with a world leading University and the Medical Research Council to further the study on cancer. Cancer is now the number one killing disease. Through medical research and practical applications, we hope that we are able to find better cure and prevention of this disease, and therefore benefit all mankind."

Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation, said, "Cancer is one of the biggest killers in this country, and the Government has made tackling the disease one of its central priorities. This centre forms a key part of our drive to strengthen cancer research in the UK, an we greatly appreciate the extremely generous donation of Hutchison Whampoa Ltd to it."

With the opening of the Centre, there are more opportunities to exploit research knowledge for the benefit of cancer patients. The aim of the Centre is to bring basic research in cell biology and genetics toward application for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Toward this end, the building has been designed to optimize interactions, especially those between medical doctors and basic laboratory researchers. The Centre is built adjacent to Addenbrookes Hospital to enable scientists and clinicians to work closely with patients.

State-of-the-art equipment is also available in core resources, including those for DNA sequencing, molecular cytogenetics and molecular pathology. These facilities allow analysis of tumour cells and tissues to detect gene mutations and changes in chromosomes and cancer markers.

For more information, please visit the Hutchison/MRC Research Centre website at http://www.hutchison-mrc.cam.ac.uk/

To download related photos, please go to
http://www.hutchison-whampoa.com/upload_docs/2002/05/Corporate/910/910_eng.htm

(Courtesy of MRC) Mr Li Ka-shing unveils a plaque to mark the opening of the Hutchison/MRC Research Centre at the Cambridge University.	(Courtesy of MRC) Mr Li Ka-shing pictured with (left to right) Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Minister for Science and Innovation, the United Kingdom; Sir George Radda, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council; Sir Alec Broers, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge; and Sir Keith Peters, Regius Professor of Physic, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge University

May 20, 2002

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