NEWS A new network brings together researchers at the university and in the region to strengthen collaboration and lay the foundation for continued development in the field of cancer.
Cancer research in Umeå is strong in terms of both depth and breadth. Researchers here have different backgrounds, expertise and perspectives, which creates good conditions for interdisciplinary collaboration. However, despite the geographical proximity between preclinical and clinical research environments at the university and within the region, there has often been a lack of natural meeting places for researchers.
"There has been a desire to build relationships, share experiences and find new ways forward together, which is why a research network in the field of cancer has been created," says Lotta Edvinsson, project manager for the Umeå Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
The first meeting was held last week and served as a kick-off for researchers in fields ranging from nursing to molecular biology. Research leaders, future research leaders and representatives of support functions gathered to listen to inspirational lectures and short presentations on infrastructure, followed by a mingle.
Tufve Nyholm, Head of Department of Diagnostics and Intervention
ImageAnja Hansen Knutsson"Collaboration, cooperation and interdisciplinary thinking provide opportunities to further strengthen existing projects and create new approaches and opportunities for research in the field of cancer. A prerequisite for finding synergies is that researchers get to know each other, talk and explore opportunities," says Tufve Nyholm, Head of the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention.
In addition to the researchers' own wishes, there are formal requirements. To become a Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC), increased collaboration between preclinical and clinical research is required.
"We have a lot to gain from bringing our resources and expertise together. It is a matter of both meeting our own needs for closer collaboration and fulfilling external requirements," says Tufve Nyholm.
Daniel Öhlund and Erik Chorell are good examples of successful cross-border collaboration.
"Research in life sciences is so complex today that no one can have all the expertise needed in a single laboratory. To ensure impact and quality in projects, extra help is often required. Infrastructures offer this support and are therefore important to use," says Erik Chorell, Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry and responsible for the Umu node of the national infrastructure Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (CBCS).
Daniel Öhlund, associate professor at the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention and oncologist at the Cancer Centre, approached CBCS with a specific question, but believes that a broader network of contacts can help to forge new collaborations as early as the planning stage.
"Breakthroughs in cancer research require collaboration between different disciplines. More collaborations can be facilitated through networks such as this one, and Umeå CCC has an important role to play in this regard," Daniel says.
The goal is to establish a viable research network in the field of cancer in Umeå. Work is now continuing to develop the format and create more opportunities for exchange and collaboration.
Erik Chorell and Daniel Öhlund.
ImageAnja Hansen Knutsson