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Two-day Grampian Research Conference set to accelerate cancer learning and inspire fresh thinking
The 11th annual Grampian Research Conference is set to place the collaborative drive for improved cancer prevention, detection, and treatment in the spotlight next month
The event will take place at Robert Gordon University (RGU)’s Sir Ian Wood Building on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 May, bringing together researchers and clinicians from across the country.
It will include an evening reception and networking dinner held at the historic Aberdeen Town House on Thursday 14.
Focusing on a vital theme of ‘Better Cancer Outcomes’, attendees at the inspiring two-day event will invite attendees to explore, discover, and connect as Grampian, and Scotland as a whole, unites in the battle against cancer in its many forms.
Latest figures indicate that cancer deaths are falling in Scotland, and the conference aims to continue that momentum with fresh insights, among a wide spectrum of healthcare learnings.
The event — co-organised by NHS Grampian, NHS Research Scotland, the University of Aberdeen, and RGU — will showcase a strongly collaborative ‘triple helix’ research culture, both in Scotland and across the UK, while reaffirming Grampian’s commitment to improving outcomes for patients.
Last year's conference organisers received the Collaboration Award from Aberdeen Convention Bureau, and this year promises an outstanding line-up of 40 speakers representing the forefront of research and care across the UK.
The conference offers a great networking opportunity for patients and public involvement representatives to meet with those involved in research and health service delivery from industry, academia, and NHS.
Professor Seshadri Vasan, co-convener of the conference, said: “The 11th NHS Grampian Research Conference’s prime focus will be on improving cancer outcomes, but there will be so much more to learn — from key study findings and exciting new initiatives to innovative ideas, fresh partnerships, and all points in between.
“It’s also about voices — ensuring that everyone is heard and is given the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the open conversation that research needs to be, so we can accelerate breakthroughs for better, more equitable outcomes.”
Among a diverse programme, keynote speakers will include Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron; Chief Executive of NHS Grampian, Laura Skaife-Knight, Chair of NHS Grampian Board, Alison Evison; and Vice Principal (Research), Professor Nick Fyfe, RGU.
Professor Fyfe will open proceedings on Thursday 14 with one highlight among many being a dedicated session noting NHS Grampian’s role in 'UK CRDC Network and commercial research delivery in primary and secondary care settings’ as one of four CRDC locations in Scotland and 21 across the UK.
This session will place a focus on research inclusion, patient and public involvement and engagement (PPI), as well as equity of access to those living in remote and rural areas.
Other Thursday sessions include:
- ‘Working together to build research capacity in Grampian’
- ‘The MAYA Project: using smart Mirrors to support healthier lives of Adolescents and Young Adults after cancer’
- ‘Research and innovation perspectives on better cancer outcomes’
Welcoming all to an evening reception and networking event at Aberdeen Town House on Thursday will be Dr David Cameron, Laura Skaife-Knight, and Alison Evison.
The evening’s focus is an Aberdeen Breast Unit Clinical Trials research meeting which will highlight ongoing multidisciplinary research happening across Health Boards and academic partners.
In recognition of the event’s theme, the neighbouring Marischal College will be illuminated pink.
Beatrix Elsberger, a consultant breast surgeon at NHS Grampian, will introduce and chair the meeting, offering an opportunity to outline key studies aimed at furthering understanding of breast cancer with around 5,500 women diagnosed annually in Scotland.
Beatrix is a prominent figure in the region's breast cancer research efforts, leading a team that won the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) CREST Award in 2023 for high-quality clinical research, and the Hunter Doig Medal in 2025.
The programme for day 2 (Friday 15) of the conference at RGU is centred on NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Reproductive Health & Childbirth, alongside further contributions from cancer researchers and healthcare leaders across the region.
Sessions will include:
- Reproductive Health and Childbirth Research Spotlight
- ‘Accelerating patient access to advanced therapies in Scotland though the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre (ATTC) network’
- Launch of CRDC UK Network’s research inclusion strategy
- ‘Ten Years of Rural Cancer Research in North-East Scotland: Insights for Equity and Improvement’
- Keynote from Laura Skaife-Knight on ‘NHS Grampian’s Priorities for the Next Three Years’
- ‘Preserving Fertility After Cancer’
Laura Skaife-Knight, NHS Grampian chief executive, said: “I look forward to attending and giving a keynote speech at the 11th NHS Grampian Research Conference and to showcasing the innovation, partnerships and outstanding work taking place across Grampian. This is one of the many areas we are leading the way in nationally, which makes me very proud.
“Research and innovation are of critical value to NHS Grampian. This conference will be a great opportunity for the research and innovation community to come together, engage, share developing activity and explore new ideas for collaboration that will only lead to further advancements when it comes to improving patient care, outcomes and equity. I know this conference will only inspire more people to embed research into everyday practice, recognising that lives are changed for the better by research and innovation."
Publication date: 8th April 2026
