The University of Manchester advances cancer research with a significant donation from alumna Judith Sear.
- The $1.3 million contribution establishes the Sear Family Cancer Research Fund, enhancing research capabilities.
- Gala Konteva, a leading researcher, focuses on innovative lung cancer treatments as part of the PhD initiative.
- Judith Sear’s legacy of giving stems from personal experiences, driving her support for Manchester’s cancer research.
- Manchester’s position as a cancer research leader is strengthened through ongoing partnerships and developments.
The University of Manchester recently received a substantial $1.3 million donation from alumna Judith Sear. This gift aims to bolster the university’s cancer research initiatives. The funds were donated through the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM) and will establish the Sear Family Cancer Research Fund. This fund will focus on supporting various research projects within the university.
One of the first initiatives funded by this generous donation is a four-year PhD program. Gala Konteva, an early-career researcher, has been appointed to spearhead this pivotal project. Her work targets lung cancer, specifically exploring new therapeutic methods by inhibiting a protein called p38α, crucial in cancer progression. She aims to develop peptide inhibitors which may offer alternative treatments for lung cancer.
Judith Sear, who studied at Manchester alongside her late husband in the 1960s, has a long history of supporting the university. Motivated by personal experiences with cancer in her family, she has extended her philanthropy to benefit numerous initiatives at Manchester. Her statement reflects her commitment to advancing cancer research: “We are one family amongst millions forced to cope with an unexpected cancer diagnosis,” she said. “While remembering our loved ones, we have seen the incredible work at Manchester Cancer Research Centre and met scientists aspiring for brighter futures.”
NAFUM plays a critical role in facilitating donations from North American supporters, enabling tax-efficient contributions that empower the university’s research and educational objectives. Judith Sear’s involvement as a board member underscores the impact of such international support, aligning with broader philanthropic efforts.
Manchester stands as a key hub for cancer research, supported by The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. These institutions collaborate at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre. The city’s Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute furthers this mission, conducting research across the entire spectrum of cancer studies. Professor Stephen Taylor, head of the division for cancer sciences, emphasized the global nature of cancer research and the importance of philanthropic contributions. “Our understanding of cancer is constantly evolving,” he noted, “making international support essential for continued advancement.”
Judith Sear’s donation marks a significant step forward in Manchester University’s cancer research, underscoring the global effort required to combat the disease.
