Cancer Studies (Research Division)

The Division of Cancer Studies has a multidisciplinary research portfolio that maps onto and spans the entire patient journey.

We bring together and are underpinned by core strengths in haematology, haemato-oncology, breast cancer biology, epidemiology and cancer cell biology, alongside unique resources including the Bio-Bank and the Thames Cancer Registry.

The strategic objective of the Division is to foster a culture of innovation in patient care through research excellence. To achieve this we are working towards fully integrated research pathways, breaking down traditional clinical/academic boundaries and drawing together members of the Division and colleagues from our associated Hospital Trusts. This is reflected in the coordinated strategic planning that has laid the foundations for our Integrated Cancer Centre.

There are five research Sections within the Division:

• Cancer Epidemiology
• Cell Biology and Imaging
• Haemato-oncology
• Molecular Haematology
• Research Oncology.

Research Sections within the Division encourage their students to take an active part in their internal seminar programmes and they are expected to present at least twice yearly to fellow students and staff. Individual Sections provide specific health and safety, and induction sessions. All graduate students (both full- and part-time) within the Division are also encouraged to attend the wide variety of courses offered by the College. Tailored courses, such as those on thesis writing and citation management, are available. First year students are encouraged, where beneficial, to attend in full or part, selected undergraduate or MRes/MSc courses pertinent to cancer studies. Graduate student progress is monitored initially at the three-month stage and thereafter at six monthly intervals by both supervisors and an external assessor from within the Division. This allows both students and supervisors to air any concerns and also promotes regular contact between those involved. Upgrade from MPhil to PhD status is dependent on successful presentation of progress by the student, and is usually expected to occur within the first year of commencement of full-time PhD study.

Training of graduates is considered an important element of their career development. To this end centrally coordinated training in transferable skills is provided by the College. For further information about training and development for researchers, the Researcher Development Programme please view our webpages: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/school/training/index.aspx