Department of Cancer Sciences strengthens research and patient care

The University of Auckland has established a new Department of Cancer Sciences, bringing together leading researchers, clinicians and educators from across disciplines to create one of New Zealand's most comprehensive cancer-focused academic communities.

The new department represents a major step towards the University's long-term vision of a comprehensive cancer centre for Aotearoa New Zealand, connecting expertise across the full cancer pathway, from prevention and laboratory discovery through to clinical treatment, living with cancer, and evidence-informed health policy.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in New Zealand. The Cancer Control Agency projects the present around 30,000 cases a year to rise to more than 45,000 by 2044 due to population growth and ageing.

The department brings together the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC), the Department of Oncology, and Cancer Trials New Zealand, with more cancer researchers to join from across the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, the Faculty of Science and from throughout the University, creating opportunities for collaboration across Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, community and international research partnerships.

Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Warwick Bagg, said the new department creates the critical mass required to accelerate progress against one of New Zealand's biggest health challenges.

"The benefits from cancer research and care will progress more rapidly when researchers, clinicians, educators and policy experts work more closely together. This is more than a new department in the faculty. We’re supersizing cancer research and care at the University.

"The new department better reflects the patient’s journey, from the community and bedside to research laboratory, public health and through to advice to inform policy. The goal is to deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders with cancer.”

The founding Head of the Department of Cancer Sciences, Associate Professor Ben Lawrence, a practising oncologist, said the new department dramatically expands the scope of cancer research and teaching.

“The department spans the complete continuum of cancer sciences, from prevention to fundamental discovery, translating research for real world prevention, care and treatment.”

The Department of Cancer Sciences builds on a distinguished legacy of cancer research at the University, particularly through the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre. Established in 1956 through a community-funded partnership between the University of Auckland and Cancer Society Auckland Northland, the centre became internationally recognised for its contributions to cancer discovery and drug development.

Bagg acknowledged the longstanding contribution of the Cancer Society Auckland Northland and the many donors whose support has helped build cancer research capability at the University.

"The achievements of cancer research at the University of Auckland have been made possible through decades of partnership and philanthropy. We are deeply grateful to Cancer Society Auckland Northland and the many supporters and donors who have invested in better outcomes for people with cancer. Their contribution has helped create the platform for this exciting new chapter in cancer sciences."

Lawrence said, "The Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre has played a vital role in advancing cancer science in New Zealand for decades. We are proud to build on that foundation.”

Andrew Young, chief executive of Cancer Society Auckland Northland division, said the 70-year partnership between the society and the University demonstrated the power of philanthropy. “I am excited about a new Department for Cancer Sciences playing a key role in our vision towards a future free from cancer.”

Bagg also acknowledged Te Aka Mātauranga Matepukupuku, the Centre for Cancer Research, a University Research Centre hosted at the faculty, in particular for its work strengthening Māori community networks.

The Department for Cancer Sciences will teach across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and support the development of future researchers, clinicians, policymakers, advocates and innovators working in cancer care and research.

The formal launch event is at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences on 23 July.