image: This is Professor Patrick Johnston. view more
Credit: Queen's University
Queen's University Belfast's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Johnston, whose work has transformed cancer care in Northern Ireland, has been elected as a Fellow of the European Academy of Cancer Sciences.
The Academy, which was launched in 2009, is an independent advisory body of highly distinguished oncologists and cancer researchers which aims to reduce the death and suffering caused by cancer in Europe.
Professor Johnston, whose leadership has seen cancer survival rates in Northern Ireland move from the bottom of the UK league table to near the top, has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to cancer research.
Professor Johnston has worked alongside some of the world's leading cancer experts and patient groups to launch a European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights.
The result of two years of work by the European Cancer Concord and Co-Chaired by Professor Johnston, it aims to address the disparities that exist in cancer care from one European country to the next.
Commenting on the prestigious accolade, Professor Johnston said: "I am delighted to have been elected a Fellow of the European Academy of Cancer Sciences. It is an honour and privilege to have had my contribution to cancer research recognised in this way. I look forward to working with my European colleagues in the Academy to develop strategies and further research to improve cancer care across Europe."
The European Academy of Cancer Sciences is made up of 185 Fellows from over 20 different countries. For further information visit http://www.europeancanceracademy.eu/
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Notes to Editors:
- Professor Johnston's vision led to the development of a Queen's University-led Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Programme in Northern Ireland which has dramatically improved cancer patient outcomes year on year despite the increasing incidence of cancer. He has been instrumental in creating a world-class Institute of Health Sciences Campus at Queen's which hosts a number of world-leading research Centres including the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology.
- Northern Ireland's Comprehensive Cancer Services programme – a major partnership between Queen's University and Health and Social Care services, which has led to improved survival rates for patients, was recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize at Buckingham Palace.
- Professor Johnston won last year's Bob Pinedo Cancer Care Prize for his pioneering work in translating discovery science for the benefit of cancer patients and is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.