Cross-disciplinary Discoveries
Cross-disciplinary Discoveries
Our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity and evolution of cancer has only been possible through the invention of next generation sequencing. The innovations in sequencing chemistry have driven down the cost and speed of genome sequencing, making studies of clinically relevant questions possible on the scale required to generate meaningful results. Protein engineering unleashed the power of CRISPR, allowing the exploration of gene functions to a scale never reached before. Nanotechnologies unable the dawn of a new kind of RNA-based vaccines, which could soon be applied to cancer treatment and prevention. Machine learning and artificial intelligence have revolutionised data processing and unveiled patterns and secrets invisible to the human mind. We believe the potential of interdisciplinary science in developing game-changing solution to compelling cancer problems is only at its beginning.
The Convergence Science Centre leverages the wealth of engineering, mathematics, and physical, life and medical sciences in combination with cancer research expertise across Imperial and the ICR to ask novel questions and solve novel problems in cancer. Both Imperial and ICR are pioneers of interdisciplinary research, championing chemical biology, bioengineering and computational sciences. We seek to address existing problems that have not been answered through conventional approaches. We strongly believe that the solutions to critical medical and societal challenges can only be found if all scientific disciplines work together by sitting at the same table, and tackle these problems with the vision of implementing their research in a real-world setting.
