Jenny Seligmann, Professor of Gastrointestinal Oncology at University of Leeds, shared Yorkshire Cancer Research’s post on LinkedIn:
“Agreed – James is achieving great things already in his career!
It’s a difficult time for the next generation of cancer researchers to obtain secure funding and support. Nationally the number of clinical academics are falling. It’s so important that Yorkshire Cancer Research (and other funders) supports them to fulfil their potential – ultimately this will be for patient benefit.”
Quoting Yorkshire Cancer Research’s post:
” ‘Yorkshire must nurture the next generation of cancer research leaders for the benefit of everyone in the region’
On World Cancer Research Day, we’re spotlighting James Platt, part of a team bringing ground-breaking bowel cancer trials to Yorkshire, and beyond
James works under the leadership of Professor Jenny Seligmann, a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Professor of Gastrointestinal Oncology at the University of Leeds.
Jenny is chief investigator of two international clinical trials funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research – FOxTROT 2 and FOxTROT 3 – which are already saving lives globally.
James said: ‘We have a fantastic team of cancer experts working together to bring these innovative trials to people in Yorkshire and beyond.
‘Not only are we seeing success in our region, but hospitals across the country are also doing fantastically well, bringing the FOxTROT trials to more people. FOxTROT 2 is also now running in France and India. It shows that research started in our region can have national and global impact.’
Recent analysis from Yorkshire Cancer Research shows people in Yorkshire are more likely to be told about research opportunities, including clinical trials, during their cancer care than almost anywhere else in England.
This is thanks to clinical academics like James, who play a vital role in bringing innovative research into the real world. Yet, sustaining this progress depends on the people behind it – and the numbers of clinical academics are falling.
Yorkshire makes up nearly 8% of the UK population but receives only 5% of health research funding. This means fewer people in the region can benefit from the opportunity to trial innovative new treatments and access life-saving research.
‘I know it’s challenging – other regions of the country receive substantially more research funding. But Yorkshire has huge potential. With the right support, even more bright minds will choose to build their careers here.’ ”
More insights from Jenny Seligmann.