The Society for Melanoma Research (SMR) has announced that their 15th International Congress will be held in Manchester next year.
Taking place 24-28 October 2018, this will be the first time the prestigious annual meeting comes to the UK. Previous host cities have included Amsterdam, Sapporo, Boston, Zurich, and Brisbane.
The SMR is a diverse, all-volunteer group of scientists working to find the mechanisms responsible for melanoma and, consequently, new therapies for the cancer. The SMR contributes to advances in melanoma research by bringing together researchers in a non-competitive way to unite the scientific community.
Manchester’s successful bid was supported by the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Marketing Manchester and Manchester Central. The city was also cited as an example of collaborative working between clinical and basic research.
Institute Director Professor Richard Marais, said: "The SMR does some vitally important work to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and drive forward progress in melanoma research, and it’s very exciting to be welcoming them to Manchester next year. It’s sure to be a stimulating few days."
Professor Paul Lorigan, leading melanoma oncologist at The Christie, said: “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming the SMR’s annual congress to Manchester next year. It comes as recognition not only of the important work the Christie does in the field of melanoma research, but of also of the global significance of Manchester’s wider scientific community.”
Sheona Southern, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester added: “It’s a great accolade for Manchester to be chosen as the first ever UK city to host the SMR’s International Congress, particularly as it’s in recognition of our reputation for collaborative work.
“Manchester has a proud history of fostering innovation in healthcare and life sciences, and thanks to our world leading research facilities we’re able to keep attracting great minds to the city for congresses such as these.”