This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
Understanding Cancer Research UK's Ownership Structure ¶
Founded to assist individuals affected by cancer, Cancer Research UK is a company limited by guarantee, meaning guarantors own the company and are expected to pay a certain amount of money should the company go into debt.
As of June 21st, 2020, the Council of Trustees, which serves as the Board of Directors, controls the institution. The Council is led by Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz as chair and Carolyn Bradley as deputy chair. Other notable trustees include Catherine Brown, Professor Moira Whyte, and Professor Dame Amanda Fisher.
The Council of Trustees works together with the organization's Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Mitchell, and the Senior Management Team to govern the organization.
Michelle Mitchell spearheads the Senior Management Team, which comprises the Chief Scientist, Executive Director of Corporate Resources, Executive Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Chief Information Officer, Executive Director of Human Resources, Executive Director of Policy and Information, Executive Director of Strategy and International Partnerships, Executive Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Chief Clinician, and Executive Director of Research & Innovation/CEO of Cancer Research Technology.
Is Cancer Research UK a Nonprofit Organization? ¶
Cancer Research UK is indeed the world's major charity in the battle against cancer, with no shareholders deriving any benefits. The organization's founders aimed to assist individuals affected by cancer, not as a profit-making venture.
The organization uses its money to conduct research and raise awareness about cancer, as well as to cater to marketing and creation of extra means of fundraising and to operate its events and shops.
What is the Aim of Cancer Research UK? ¶
Imagine a future where cancer is curable. Cancer Research UK is endeavoring to make this a reality, having made great strides in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Over the years, survival rates have been twofold due to its research, and the organization aims at ensuring the survival of individuals from cancer.
Professor Alexander Haddow, a Cancer Research UK scientist, started cancer research on how to kill cancer cells using nitrogen mustard chemical.
What Has Cancer Research UK Achieved? ¶
The organization has made immense contributions to the fight against cancer. It was among the pioneers who made the nexus between skin cancer and exposure to the sun. Cancer Research UK funded Renato Dulbecco, who discovered how cancer alters and copies itself in cells.
Its scientists, Tim Hunt and Paul Nurse, were influential in cancer remedy, finding the protein that facilitates cell development. The organization has also raised awareness about tobacco smoke and the risk of lung cancer even for passive smokers, leading to a decline in smoking rates and potentially minimizing lung cancer cases.
Cancer Research UK's cancer research funding comes from donor funds, including individuals and groups, and it relies on well-wishers and philanthropy to run. The organization has shops where products used in cancer care are sold, and it also organizes events like Race For Life, where proceeds go towards research.
It is battling two hundred types of cancer, and every pound goes a long way in helping the fight.
