Cancer Research UK has raised £34m, one third of its fundraising target towards the new Francis Crick Institute, less than a month after a board of philanthropists was tasked with raising money through their networks.

In May 16 philanthropists were appointed to the board of the 'Create the Change' campaign, with a target of raising £100m between them for the research centre. They have so far received donations from a range of philanthropists and trusts including a £3m gift from the Wolfson Foundation.

The building, well into construction, is celebrating its topping out ceremony today and when it opens in 2015 will be a research centre for scientists working with major diseases. The £650m project is a partnership between the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, the Wellcome Trust, UCL, Imperial College and King’s College London.  

Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer research UK said: “We’re extremely grateful for the generous donations we’ve received so far for our Create the Change campaign.”

He described the institute as being “game-changing” and added: “The Crick is also a unique opportunity for people to invest in one of the most exciting catalysts of scientific innovation we’ll see this generation.”

Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation said: “The Crick will help ensure that the UK remains a global superpower in biomedical research.”

CRUK also announced today that it has formed a partnership with a biomarker validation company to focus on early detection of cancer. Find out more on civilsociety’s partnerships and campaigns blog.

 

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