Merck Serono creates oncology chair in EPFL partnership

Merck Serono has announced the creation of a new oncology chair scheme as part of its ongoing partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).

This initiative will be led by cancer research authority and professor of molecular oncology at EPF Douglas Hanahan, with investigations to focus on the role of microenvironments in tumour development and progression.

It builds on a collaborative relationship extending back to 2007, which has encompassed the Professor Patrick Fraering's Chair scheme and various research projects into neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.

Dr Bernhard Kirschbaum, executive vice-president of global research and early development at Merck Serono, said the company is pleased to be extending its partnership with one of the world's foremost scientific institutes.

"We expect this project to significantly contribute to the progress of basic research in oncology, an area of high unmet needs," he said.

Last month, the company highlighted the success of its Innovation Cup initiative, during which it invited international students to its headquarters to learn about issues involved in pharmaceutical sector careers.