Translational Breast Cancer Research Unit (TBCRU)

Translational research provides a much needed bridge of communication between highly specialized research scientists and physicians. Researchers working in labs with microscopes and tissue samples and physicians who directly interact with patients speak very different languages. It is vital that cutting edge research arrives to physicians in a useable format. It is also essential that information gathered from physicians get to researchers.

The translational process involves identifying current significant research projects and taking the knowledge and learning of these studies and applying it directly to the patient level. Fundamentally, it puts valuable theories into practice - a progression absolutely necessary in finding a cure.

Translational research is central to the research strategy of the London Regional Cancer Program. Our research program is linked to the University of Western Ontario and the London Health Sciences Centre research community, and is multi-disciplinary and multi-departmental.

History of the Unit

The Pamela Greenaway-Kohlmeier Translational Breast Cancer Unit was named for Pamela Greenaway-Kohlmeier, daughter of Lawrence and Kay Greenaway and wife of Guy Kohlmeier. Pamela died of breast cancer at age 38, which led her family to form the Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC) to raise funds for breast cancer research.

The Unit was created in 1998, through a partnership between the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) and a $1 million donation from the Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC) to the LRCP.

Dr. Eva Turley joined the LRCP Cancer Research Laboratory Program as a Scientist in the TBCRU in 2000, and is a member of the Univerisity of Western Ontario's Department of Oncology. Dr. Turley strengthens the expertise of the TBCRU with her track record as an experienced scientist in translational breast cancer research.

Translational Breast Cancer Research Seminars

One of the goals of the Unit is to promote interactions between scientists and physicians throughout London and to facilitate "translation" of molecular, cellular or genetic research findings to improvements in diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of breast cancer.

To foster this interaction, the Unit sponsors monthly Translational Breast Cancer Research Seminars, which are open to all interested members of the London academic community. These are organized by Joanne Gribbon and LRCP, with the assistance of AstraZeneca and Pfizer. These seminars provide a lively forum for communication and intereaction between scientists, physicians, graduate students, medical residents, and others interested in translational breast cancer research.

Studentships and Postdoctoral Fellowships

A major goal of the Translational Breast Cancer Research Unit is to encourage and support trainees who are carrying out translational breast cancer research. By encouraging bright trainees to focus their research attention in this area, we hope to increase the number of highly qualified researchers who are working to solve the problem of breast cancer.

Generous donations from the Breast Cancer Society of Canada, Hike for Hope, and other donors, to the Translational Breast Cancer Research Unit has made possible the creation of Studentships and Postdoctoral Fellowships.

2007 Graduate Trainees

Congratulations to our 2007 Graduate Trainees

Call for Applicants

Studentship Application Information - 2009-2010 Applications Closed

Recipients of Translational Breast Cancer Research Traineeship Program: Studentships & Postdoctoral Fellowships

Translational Breast Cancer Research Studentships & Postdoctoral Fellowships , 2009-2010

Translational Breast Cancer Research Studentships & Postdoctoral Fellowships, 2008-2009

Translational Breast Cancer Research Studentships & Postdoctoral Fellowships, 2007-2008

Translational Breast Cancer Research Studentships & Postdoctoral Fellowships, 2006-2007

Translational Breast Cancer Research Studentships & Postdoctoral Fellowships, 2005-2006

Breast Cancer Society of Canada Traineeships, 2004-2005

Hike for Hope Studentship, 2004-2005 - Bekim Sadikovic, Recipient

Breast Cancer Society of Canada Traineeships, 2003-2004

Other training and funding links:

Contact

Translational Breast Cancer Research Unit:
Dr. Ann Chambers, Director by e-mail, or telephone at 519.685.8652

Translational Research Seminars:
Dr. Eva Turley by e-mail, or telephone at 519.865.8600, ext. 53677