A fund has been set up in memory of a leading scientist who has died of breast cancer.

The Sue Watson Cancer Fund will support young researchers, particularly non-clinical scientists, working to discover new cancer treatments, something Professor Sue Watson believed in passionately.

Friends and colleagues from the University and from the wider scientific community have paid tribute to Sue, a greatly respected and warmly admired scientist and a leader in the School of Clinical Sciences.

Sue studied and worked at the University for almost 30 years as PhD student, Research Fellow, Senior Lecturer, Reader and, from 2002, Professor of Pre-Clinical Oncology. She published more than 135 scientific articles on cutting-edge research and developed several new treatments in the field of cancer.

In 2010, she established the Ex Vivo Pharmacology Centre of Excellence within the Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology. She also established a company, PRECOS Ltd, which specialises in bridging the gap between research and industry, recognising that without industry involvement discoveries were unlikely to reach patients.

John Atherton, Head of the School of Clinical Sciences, said: “Brilliant and radical initiatives such as this were typical of her, and will ensure that she leaves a rich legacy in cancer research.”

Sue’s achievements are reflected in the tributes from colleagues around the world after her death, and in the awards made to her during her career. Most notable were two prizes for best young UK researcher in different fields: the Moynihan Prize (1999) for the best UK research in the area of general surgery and the Sir Francis Avery Jones Research Medal (2002) for the best UK research in the area of gastroenterology.

Sue also served on several committees, including the Cancer Research UK Discovery Committee and the Council of the European Association for Cancer Research.

One of her greatest legacies was in enthusing staff and helping them create a stimulating, useful and successful career in medical scientific research.

Prof Atherton said: “Many of us owe Sue a great debt of gratitude for supporting the development of our careers and enthusing us for science and research. Sue was enormously proud of her family. She leaves a husband Chris and two daughters, Gabby and Maddy. They are enormously proud of Sue and her achievements. Sue will be missed on so many levels – as a brilliant and talented colleague, as an inspiring mentor, but most especially as a caring friend, wife and mother.”

Colleague Anna Grabowska added: “Sue always approached new challenges with enthusiasm, leading by example, and, by expecting the same commitment from her staff, encouraged us to achieve beyond our own expectations.”

To make a gift to The Sue Watson Cancer Fund, please contact Ashley Flint on 0115 951 3627, or send a cheque to Campaign Office, The University of Nottingham, King’s Meadow Campus, Lenton Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2NR.