16th November 1999

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Cancer researcher Dr Tracey Robson of the University of Ulster has been voted one of Northern Ireland's "People of the Year" at a ceremony in Belfast.

She was nominated for the Award of Excellence - sponsored by top Belfast jewellers Lunn's - following press interest in her groundbreaking work on cancer gene therapy.

A lecturer in molecular radiation science at the University's Jordanstown campus, Dr Robson isolated a novel gene, called DIR-1, which can alter a tumour cell's susceptibility to radiation therapy.

The finding was a doorway to making radiation treatment more effective on tumour cells previously resistant to x-rays.

Commenting on the award, Dr Robson said: "It is a great honour. I never thought anything like this would happen to me. And I would like to thank who ever it was nominated me, the people who voted for me. But most of all I feel this award is a wonderful recognition of the effort and support I have received from the people and the organisations who have made my gene research work possible."

Peter Lunn, Managing Director of Lunn's the Jewellers, said "Tracey has contributed immensely to the field of cancer research over the past 12 years, and has worked tirelessly to achieve a major breakthrough - which could mean that one day cancer patients may be treated by drugs rather than surgery. She is a wonderful example of excellence in action in Northern Ireland."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk