The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation
Since its establishment in 1999, The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation has been engaged in generating philanthropic support for Queen’s capital development programmes and academic/research initiatives, from private individuals, charitable trusts and corporations. A core part of their work is in fostering lasting relationships with those who share a common vision for the future.
The work of the Foundation is consistent with the University’s mission to be a world-class university that links Northern Ireland to the global community through the life-changing experience offered to students, the distinctive contribution made to society by graduates and the high quality and impact of the research.
Innovations in Cancer Research
Philanthropic support is helping to make Queen’s and Northern Ireland a world leader in medical research, education and patient care.
The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s is considered among the finest of its kind. Researchers at the Centre are finding new ways to advance and tackle cancer care by taking the lead in personalised treatment.
Personalising the Fight against Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer which has spread to the bones, results in shorter life expectancy and a lesser quality of life in men affected. This prompts an urgent need for new and innovative therapies to help these men.
Currently most treatments offered at this stage of the disease are given to all men irrespective of the specific changes present in the genetic material of their tumours.
Recently, it has been suggested that patients with tumours that have changes in those genes that control DNA damage, respond better to radium treatment. This treatment is given in the form of an injection of radiation directly into a patient’s blood which seeks out tumour cells that cause bone disease when prostate cancer has spread throughout the body.
Dr Victoria Dunne
Victoria is currently investigating this theory using the latest techniques available. Seed funding received from LFT Charitable Trust has helped to support this work and to secure other grants, which in turn has accelerated the research and the ambition to launch phase 1 clinical trials in NI.
As a direct result of funding from LFT Charitable Trust and Prostate Cancer UK, Victoria will complete a secondment at Oslo University Hospital alongside Dr Asta Juzeniene, who is leading the development of a novel treatment for prostate cancer.
Victoria will conduct proof-of-concept experiments to help progress this treatment into clinical trials. Working globally Victoria’s placement in Oslo will enable her to share her expertise gained in Oslo University hospital with other researchers in Queen’s. It is anticipated that the findings from Victoria’s research both at Queen’s University and in Oslo will form the basis of future phase 1 clinical trials in Northern Ireland with the overarching aims of ensuring better outcomes, recovery and the chance for men to have a normal life after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Other partners who are making a difference
Identifying the right network of dedicated and ambitious partners has enabled us to deliver on our charitable purposes and activities. Here are just some of the life-changing projects that our grant partners have been involved in.
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Flourish NI
Helping survivors of human trafficking not only recover from their traumatic experiences but also to regain self-belief and new skills so that they can lead safe, independent and fulfilled lives.
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Adsum Foundation
Adsum Foundation has worked extensively supporting people and vulnerable communities in Madagascar and investing in a brighter future for this developing nation.
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Dreamscheme NI
Dreamscheme is an award-winning youth development organisation seeking to bring about positive transformations in young people and communities in South and East Belfast.