A behind the scenes look at world leading research into breast cancer is set to give The University of Nottingham’s fundraising campaign – Life Cycle 6 – another boost.

This free open day at Queen’s Medical Centre will give students, staff and members of the public the unique chance to speak to expert researchers who are developing ground breaking techniques to detect breast cancer early, develop personalised treatments and prevent the disease from spreading.

The event, which takes place between 12 and 3pm on Saturday May 21 2016, is part of the build up towards Life Cycle 6 – the University’s annual fundraiser, led by the Vice-Chancellor – which this year is hoping to raise £1 million for breast cancer research at the University.

Alongside the chance to meet our experts, the day also includes a tour of the laboratories plus talks from women whose lives have been touched by the disease.

The public are welcome to turn up on the day but to secure a view of the laboratories, please register by Friday 20 May.

Life Cycle 6 includes a team of University staff undertaking a gruelling 1,400 mile endurance bike ride this August to the four corners of Britain to help raise funds for breast cancer research.

John Robertson, breast cancer specialist and Professor of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, is taking part in the endurance bike ride this year. Professor Robertson is leading on developing the world’s first blood test to detect breast cancer early. His work to develop a similar blood test to detect lung cancer is already helping save lives in the US and currently undergoing a large scale clinical trial in Scotland.

He said: “Our innovative research is already making a difference and we hope that our work on early detection of this disease alongside developing personalised treatments will help save lives. The University has a long history of delivering outstanding breast cancer research and we look forward to giving an insight into our current work.

“You can support our vital research by joining our family-friendly community bike ride in September, or by raising funds in other ways – including by joining the Robin Hood walk this June led by my fellow researcher Professor Denise Kendrick. There are lots of great ideas on our Life Cycle website. Every penny raised will go straight to our laboratories in Nottingham and Derby and will make a real difference to our work.”

As well as sponsoring our team of Life Cycle 6 endurance cyclists and taking part in the community bike ride, the University is encouraging people to hold their own fundraising events such as bake sales, dress down days, sky dives and charity discos. A list of ideas and more information features on the Life Cycle website.

The Meet the Researchers event is part of the Research and Innovation Showcase 2016 – a series of events and exhibitions organised by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, that showcase the life-changing world-class medical research taking place in Nottingham.