A fond farewell

1999 – Nic arrives in Manchester as the new Director of the then Paterson Institute

After receiving his PhD from Edinburgh University, Nic relocated to the USA to further his research career, beginning at the University of Connecticut Health Centre and moving on to Purdue University. After 12 years in America, Nic travelled back from across the pond, joining the ICRF laboratories in London as a Principal Scientist. It was here that he continued his research on DNA Tumour Viruses and the mechanisms that they employ to transform normal cells into cancer cells.

In 1999, Nic landed in Manchester to begin what would be a remarkable journey, and one which went on to fundamentally shape the way that cancer research exists here in Manchester.

“I actually started on St David’s Day, March 1^st, 1999 – a very appropriate date being a Welshman. I was honoured and somewhat surprised to be appointed as Director of the Paterson but certainly felt trepidation for what lay ahead. There was the personal challenge of taking on such a leadership role – previously I had run a medium sized lab but had no experience of leadership beyond that. Therefore, I was grateful for those decision makers who had faith in me.

Then there was the challenge of making changes to the Institute – to increase its international scientific profile and the internal culture. That did require bringing in new scientific blood and difficult decisions had to be made.  That’s not easy but, if it goes right, it can be very rewarding. To see young scientists in particular be given the chance to build their independent lab, to grow and flourish is really satisfying. I will recommend it to others if the opportunity arises – I think a lot of scientists don’t realise how rewarding it can be.  I had tremendous support from CRUK, The University and The Christie during the 12 years I was Director.”

2006 – The Manchester Cancer Research Centre is established

In 2006, The Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) was formed by The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. This unique collaboration set about bringing together the expertise, vision and resources of its partner organisations, driving the power of ‘Team Science’ and enabling collaboration between clinicians, researchers, patients and the public.

Nic was the inaugural Director of the MCRC between 2006 and 2017 and saw its formative development before handing over to Professor Robert Bristow in 2017.

“Once I was established in Manchester, I began to realise that there was a huge, missed opportunity. We had a CRUK core-funded Institute, a large and very successful University and a very large cancer-specific hospital, The Christie and yet the interactions between these three powerful organisations at that time was fairly minimal and sporadic. This was a big missed opportunity – it was a no-brainer that if the three worked closely together under common goals and strategy it would be transformational, not just for the profile of cancer research in Manchester but for what could be achieved.

Timing was everything – in 2006 it just so happened we had leadership within the three organisations who had the vision and could see the potential benefits. So, the MCRC was initiated and an MOU between the three organisations established.  Again, it wasn’t easy and a lot of hurdles needed to be overcome, not least the transfer of the Institute from the Christie to the University.  Once initiated, the support and enthusiasm for its development was terrific especially as success began to be realised – initially it needed a lot of trust and faith that it was a good thing but that quickly moved to a situation where success could be demonstrated. Since those early days it has gone from strength to strength and the partnership grown. The joint support from the partners for the new Paterson building is a vivid example of the strength and influence of the partnership.”

2011 – Nic becomes CRUK Chief Scientist

In February 2011, Cancer Research UK appointed Nic as a Chief Scientist, making him responsible for the scientific direction and strategy of the charity.

During his time as Chief Scientist, he saw the launch of major new initiatives in funding, as well as being closely involved in the launch of the organisation’s Research Strategy in 2014. Nic was also applauded for driving major cultural changes at CRUK, such as championing staff in the CRUK office to engage more closely with the scientific community as well as overturning the perception that basic and clinical research exist in separate realms. You can read more on Nic’s time as a CRUK Chief Scientist on Cancer Research UK’s blog.

“When the opportunity arose, again I was surprised but honoured. However, because I now had the experience of running the Institute and the MCRC I was better prepared – I felt rightly or wrongly, that many of the challenges at the national level were reflected in the challenges we had been addressing in Manchester. I was excited about the opportunity, the only downside being that I had to step down from being the Institute Director.  However, I believe in turnover after a reasonable period of time so it was probably the right time to step down anyway. I was allowed to stay on as MCRC Director which was important to me.

I spent an incredibly exciting, fulfilling 5 years as Chief Scientist – interacted with so many great people in CRUK, fabulous scientists across the UK and could influence the research direction of such an important research funder and supporter. What’s not to like! Again, it was a time of change – refreshing the research strategy for the next 5-10 years and I think many important new directions emerged such as the Cancer Grand Challenge programme and the increased focus on research into cancers of unmet need.”

2015 – The Oglesby Cancer Research Building opens

2012 marked the beginning of the construction of the Oglesby Cancer Research building, supported by its £28.5 million partnership. The centre was built on land donated by The Christie and located across the road from the hospital and the former Paterson building.

Nic acted as the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for this build, seeing it to fruition in 2015, which marked the manifestation of the long-term partnership, bringing together researchers in one cancer campus.

Read more about the opening of the Oglesby Cancer Research Building in this CRUK Blog.

“I was the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for this build – a new and exciting experience.  It was so much fun interacting with the architects and I really love the design – not everybody took to the sloping, modular shapes of the build but I still think it is striking and makes a big statement.  There was a lot of fundraising involved and I met many people who were proud to be from the North-West and were really inspired to help us deliver this building. None more so than the late Mike Oglesby – I was really privileged to be able to work closely with Mike not just in fundraising for this development but more widely in the growth and evolution of the MCRC. It is so appropriate that the building is named after him. So, it was fun to be involved in delivering the building and seeing the buzz when it was opened and occupied. I thought that would be the end of my involvement in buildings – I could not have been more wrong…!”

2017- 2023 – The Paterson Redevelopment Project

In 2017, the former Paterson research building in Withington, which housed the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, suffered a devastating fire. Over 300 scientists and research staff were displaced, and our world-leading research activities suffered a major setback.

In 2018, The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie announced plans to build a flagship cancer research centre on The Christie’s site on Wilmslow Road in Withington, which would be twice the size of its predecessor. Here began the journey to create a building that would later house one of the largest concentrations of scientists, doctors and nurses in Europe.

Nic was once again appointed as the SRO for this build and charged with navigating challenges such as economic hits to research and the COVID-19 pandemic as well as navigating the challenges of facilitating a £150m build.

The building opened in April 2023, and is occupied by all three partners, housing research teams from the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and its Research and Innovation division, and several other teams from The University of Manchester’s Division of Cancer Sciences.

It has since been named Building of the Year 2023 by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Find out more about this state-of-the-art building.

“Obviously I am getting on a bit so to have the chance at the end to help deliver this magnificent new building with all the opportunities it brings has been wonderful. I am still in awe by the support, diligence, vision of so many people who were critical to delivering this building in budget and in time especially having gone through the pandemic and one of the most challenging periods in the building industry. I think it is a real symbol of the journey that started in 2006 when the MCRC was formed.”

A look to the future

“Over the last few years, I have taken on Trustee roles and I will remain a Trustee of CRUK and the Institute of Cancer Research in London. They are fulfilling, fun and a way to keep abreast of the great advances and opportunities in cancer research and to meet up with so many old friends and colleagues.  And I plan to still be around the place and helping the Manchester cancer journey in any way I can. I have been in the Manchester area for 25 years which is longer than anywhere else for my whole life – I really like it up here so we are not moving away now! I don’t really have any hobbies (maybe a common trait with scientists!) but will keep busy with dog walking and cycling – I bought an e-bike during lockdown which has revived my liking for cycling especially when I plan routes that happen to pass a nice country pub! Perhaps more travelling and seeing parts of the UK that I have not been to. And I am lucky to have a wonderful family and four tremendous grandchildren – seeing more of them is a definite bonus.”

Although Nic may not like to shout about it, it is clear his career has been rather momentous. It is undoubtable that this has and will be one of the most significant and beneficial influences that a singular person has had here in Manchester. While we reflect on these past few decades, and sit back in awe, it may bring solace to know that Nic will not be going far.  He will be staying on as am Emeritus Professor at The University of Manchester, as well as being involved in Trustee roles at CRUK and ICR.

So to Nic, thank you for all that you have done and thank you for all that you will continue to do.