New Funding Boosts Research into Aggressive Breast Cancer

University of Bradford researcher awarded Wellcome grant to develop targeted treatments for triple-negative breast cancer

Dr Francis Mprah Barnieh, an early-career researcher at the University of Bradford, has received a grant of £236,455 from the Wellcome Accelerator Award scheme. The funding will support his research into triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of the disease that is challenging to treat and disproportionately affects Black women.

Focus on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is known for its poor clinical outcomes and resistance to many current therapies. Dr Barnieh’s research has identified a previously unknown mechanism that allows cancer cells to survive in low-oxygen environments within tumours. These hypoxic conditions often reduce the effectiveness of existing treatments.

The two-year project funded by the Wellcome award aims to develop innovative “smart” drugs that activate specifically in oxygen-poor tumour areas. This targeted approach is intended to attack cancer cells more precisely while minimising harm to healthy tissue and reducing side effects for patients.

Supporting Diversity and Career Development

The Wellcome Accelerator Awards are designed to support researchers of Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani heritage in the UK, helping them to build their research profiles and progress in their careers. Alongside the research project, the award will facilitate Dr Barnieh’s professional development through advanced training, international collaboration, and a research placement in the United States.

University and Expert Comments

Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Bradford, highlighted the significance of the award:

• He described the grant as a strong endorsement of Dr Barnieh’s scientific potential and the university’s commitment to impactful research.
• He emphasised the project’s relevance to addressing urgent clinical challenges and health inequalities.
• He expressed pride in the achievement and optimism about the future benefits for patients and cancer treatment.

Researcher Background

Dr Barnieh is a Research Fellow at the University of Bradford’s Institute of Health and Social Care. His academic qualifications include:

• A First-Class degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ghana
• An MSc with Distinction and a PhD in Cancer Drug Discovery from the University of Bradford

About Wellcome

Wellcome is a global charitable foundation that supports scientific research to address urgent health challenges. Its focus areas include mental health, infectious disease, and the impact of climate on health.