Research in Nottingham
1950s
Professor Baldwin moves to Nottingham
1955
Professor Baldwin publishes two seminal papers where he explores the development of immunity to cancer.
1960s
The first major Cancer Research Campaign laboratory is established at Nottingham University, led by Professor Baldwin. They have a staff of 40-50 scientists and focus heavily on immunology.
1973
Professor Robert Rees moves to Nottingham and joins Professor Baldwin’s lab as a research scientist.
1975
Major expansion in clinical research into immunotherapy begins across Nottingham hospitals and medical establishments.
1977
Professor Robert Rees leaves the Nottingham CRC laboratory to become a lecturer at Sheffield Medical School.
1996
Professor Robert Rees returns to Nottingham to become Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Nottingham Trent University.
2006
Professor Robert Baldwin receives an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) from NTU.
2008
The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre is first established after initial funding of £8million from the John and Lucille Geest foundation. This is matched by £2.3 from the Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF). It opens with 18 staff members.
2011
The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre officially opens, housing 35 staff and students.
2012
The John and Lucille van Geest Foundation donates a further £8million to the centre. Professor Robert Baldwin passes away.
2013
The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre Trust is established at Nottingham Trent University. This is set up to assure the financial future of the centre and the trustees include members of NTU’s senior management team. Sue Dewey OBE is appointed as Head of Fundraising and donations from the general public towards our work begin to be accepted.
There were times I remember being at conferences and virtually all the great minds in science of the time would know him. He could be standing in the middle of a very large conference and the really eminent scientists both in and outside of this area would recognise him. You then realise how well-known this person is and how much he has contributed to world science.
