May 30, 2013, New York, NY—Professor Sir David Lane, an internationally recognized and respected cancer researcher widely known for his discovery of the p53 tumor suppressor protein, joins the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research as its Scientific Director, commencing June 1, 2013. In this role, Professor Lane will lead Ludwig’s global cancer research effort, fostering collaboration, coordinating research activities and representing its international network of leading scientists.
“Ludwig is committed to bringing together the best minds to change the course of cancer. We are fortunate to welcome Professor Lane as part of our scientific and management team to help achieve our vision,” said Ludwig Institute President and CEO Edward A. McDermott, Jr. “Beyond his pioneering discoveries in cancer research, Professor Lane brings seasoned leadership in heading scientific laboratories in academia and the private sector, as well as valued frontline experience in the challenges of moving discoveries from the laboratory into the clinic.”
“Further, having served on our Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Committee, Professor Lane is very conversant with Ludwig’s structure, its staff and its scientific programs. This will allow him to integrate quickly and positively impact our cancer research efforts,” added McDermott.
Professor Lane is currently the Chief Scientist of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). He will retain his existing appointment at A*STAR and share his time between Ludwig and A*STAR. He succeeds Andrew Simpson, PhD, who served for five years as Ludwig’s Scientific Director from 2007 to 2012.
“I have been actively involved with Ludwig for over five years and am privileged to have the opportunity to join this global network of leading researchers focused on finding ways to prevent, treat and ultimately cure cancer,” said David Lane, PhD. “My role will be to foster continued interaction and collaboration among this prestigious group of scientists. And I am eager to support its advancements at this incredible time in cancer research.”
Professor Lane is credited with the landmark discovery of the p53 protein, which functions as a vitally important tumor suppressor involved in preventing cancer. He refers to the protein as the “guardian of the genome” for its role in controlling tumor growth. The p53 is mutated or faulty in 50 percent of human cancers. Professor Lane’s current laboratory investigations focus on controlling p53 and identifying targets for developing new cancer therapies that could restore normal function.
Professor Lane has directed scientific programs at Imperial College, ICRF Laboratories at Clare Hall and helped to establish the Cancer Research Campaign (CRC) laboratories at the University of Dundee in Dundee, Scotland. With support from the University of Dundee and CRC, he founded Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals where he helped to identify several oncology drug candidates currently under clinical development. While carrying out his responsibilities at A*Star, Professor Lane also served as Cancer Research UK’s first Chief Scientist.
His contributions to cancer research have been widely recognized. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 and most recently received the 2012 Cancer Research UK Lifetime Achievement Prize. Professor Lane is a member of European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) and a Fellow of the Royal Society, the UK’s premier scientific academy. He is the author or co-author of more than 350 publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
Professor Lane earned his PhD degree in immunology from the University College in London. He began his post-doctoral research in the laboratories of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York.
About the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research is an international non-profit organization committed to improving the understanding and control of cancer through integrated laboratory and clinical discovery. Leveraging its worldwide network of investigators and the ability to sponsor and conduct its own clinical trials, the Institute is actively engaged in translating its discoveries into applications for patient benefit. Since its establishment in 1971, the Institute has expended more than $1.5 billion on cancer research.