Summary of the impact

New research at Lancaster on the biological effects of UVA radiation has generated three main impacts, first resulting in a leading sun cream manufacturer (Boots Ltd. PLC) to re-evaluate its product development process to account for UVA exposure. Second, the research was one of the key drivers of a recent re-assessment of the validity of the UV index by a working group acting for the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Finally, the research has been used in public education related to sun protection and the use of tanning beds through both direct engagement with the media and work with North West Cancer Research.

Summary of the impact

This impact case study describes major public communication activities by Professor Jim Smith on the immediate and long-term consequences of the Fukushima accident through radio, television, print and internet media. During the weeks after Fukushima, Smith made a key contribution to the developing scientific understanding of the likely consequences of the accident and to the worldwide dissemination of that understanding. This made a documented improvement to international news agencies' coverage of the event (Evidence 2, 4, 5) and "helped elevate and inform the debate" on the risks and consequences of nuclear power (Evidence 2).

Summary of the impact

Research by Professor Parmjit Jat (first at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, then part of UCL; later at the UCL Institute of Neurology) established and applied the critically important scientific concept of conditional immortalisation to a wide variety of cell lines, enabling cells to be grown indefinitely in vitro but differentiate upon altering the growth conditions. Two companies were established in partnership with Jat to exploit this research, ReNeuron (now worth £63.5m and publicly traded on the London AIM market) and XCellSyz (now part of Lonza AG). More than 20 patents based on Professor Jat's work have been issued. Reagents based on his research have been evaluated, licensed and used by 17 companies worldwide: Amgen, Amylin, Boehringer Mannheim, Cell Genesys, Chiron, Eli Lilly, Genentech Inc., Genetics Institute, Immunex, Johnson & Johnson, Medarex, Novartis, Ortho Pharm., Pfizer Inc., Regeneron, ReNeuron, Takeda, EMD Serono, and XCellSyZ/Cambrex Bioscience/Lonza.

Summary of the impact

Cancer research at the University of Salford focuses on developing new and improved treatments for cancer, particularly for children with cancer, demonstrating the following impact:

• The development of RH1, a novel anticancer drug and a second generation novel agent, Es5, arising from RH1;
• Participation in clinical studies in paediatric and adult cancers with North West, UK and international partners in the health, charitable and commercial sectors to trial and develop the technologies;
• The establishment of spin-out company, Onco-NX to develop and exploit the technologies and IP arising from the research;
• The establishment of Kidscan, a University-based registered charity to support research into new and improved treatments for children with cancer and generating dedicated support for and commitment to cancer research among North West UK communities.