Nobel Prize Winner comes to Birmingham

One of the world’s leading virologists will be speaking at the International Epstein-Barr Virus Conference, which takes place at the University of Birmingham’s Medical School from September 4-7.

Professor Harald zur Hausen, who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2008, is special guest at the bi-ennial conference, which brings together experts and researchers on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) from around the world.

A leader in his field, Professor zur Hausen was awarded the Nobel Prize for discovering that papilloma virus was the cause of cervical cancer. His work has had an enormous impact on the treatment and understanding of cervical cancer, which has included the development of a vaccine. Professor zur Hausen’s research has also influenced work on other virus-associated cancers, such as Hodgkins Lymphoma and Burkitt’s Lymphoma, which can be triggered by EBV.

Birmingham has one of the largest teams in the country researching EBV. The research is led by Professor Lawrence Young, Head of the College of Medical and Dental Sciences, alongside Professors Alan Rickinson, Paul Murray and Martin Rowe. Work at the University of Birmingham has also led to the first clinical trials of an EBV vaccination in patients with cancer of the nose and throat.

Professor Young said: “We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious international event as the Epstein-Barr Virus Conference to the University of Birmingham, where EBV research has been such a major focus for over 25 years.

“The attendance of Professor zur Hausen at the event underlines the importance of research into the virus, as we strive to find solutions to serious illnesses, such as cancer, which can be triggered by EBV.”

Ian Taylor, Commercial Director at Marketing Birmingham, who are supporting the event, added:

“Birmingham is well-established as a centre of excellence for clinical trials and innovative healthcare and it is very fitting that an event such as this is being hosted by the University.

“We welcome Professor zur Hausen to Birmingham, in addition to the other delegates from around the world who are making the trip to the Midlands for the conference.”

Ends
__Notes to Editors:_
Epstein-Barr Virus Conference:
• The event is the 14th Biennial Conference of the International Association for Research on Epstein-Barr Virus and Associated Diseases.

• Professor Lawrence Young, Head of College of Medical and Dental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, is currently the Association’s President.

• For further information on the Epstein-Barr Virus conference, visit: www.ebv2010.bham.ac.uk

University of Birmingham:

• From establishing the UK’s first university medical school to improving breast cancer survival rates and synthesising vitamin C, Birmingham has been transforming lives for more than a century. Alongside vital research into global health and wellbeing, such as brain injury, cancer, obesity and healthy ageing, the University is also championing practical clean energy and promoting cultural and personal enrichment.

• _The University of Birmingham has one of the largest clinical trials clusters in the UK, with more than 25 years experience in delivering clinical trials, translating world-class cancer research into improved patient survival. _
• From identifying quicker and better ways to diagnose cancer to harnessing viruses in the fight against cancer, the University of Birmingham’s cancer experts are committed to finding ways to individualise cancer treatments and reduce the toxicity of the treatment, so that life after cancer is improved.

Further media information:
Jo Lumani – Head of Communications, Birmingham Science City, Marketing Birmingham
_Tel: 0121 202 5072 / email: jo.lumani@marketingbirmingham.com _

Rachel Burrows – Head of Communications, University of Birmingham
tel: 0121 414 6681 / email: r.burrows@bham.ac.uk / mob: 07789 921165_