Rosetrees is proud to congratulate the team at the Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH) Innovation Hub on winning the “Further, Faster Together” award at the Cancer Research Horizons Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards. This prestigious national prize celebrates outstanding collaborations between academia and industry that are accelerating progress in cancer research and care.

The CCH Innovation Hub, launched in September 2024, is a pioneering collaboration between Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Cambridge, and Illumina. Its mission is to advance access to cutting-edge genomic technologies for children with cancer and other serious conditions.

A Game-Changer for Paediatric Oncology

One of the Hub’s key achievements is the successful implementation of ultrafast whole-genome sequencing (WGS), with results delivered in just 24 hours. The approach has already had a transformative impact: it has improved clinical management in over 50% of paediatric cancer cases included in the study.

This success is a powerful demonstration of how rapid access to genetic data can enhance diagnostic precision, guide treatment decisions, and reduce the treatment burden for young patients.

Recognising a Unique Partnership

The Innovation Hub exemplifies what’s possible when NHS clinicians, university researchers, and industry partners work closely together. The collaboration provides pre-commercial access to Illumina’s latest sequencing technology through the East Genomic Laboratory Hub, which supports genetic diagnostics across the NHS.

The Cancer Research Horizons award, which includes £5,000 in funding for team learning and development, recognises this exceptional model of innovation and translational impact.

Dr Aditi Vedi, Project Lead of the Innovation Hub and Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, said:

“Our team is thrilled to have won this award and the recognition from Cancer Research Horizons. Our project is based on a unique partnership between the University of Cambridge Department of Paediatrics, the NHS, and Illumina to develop and evaluate novel technologies for patient benefit and seamlessly translate these into clinical practice.”

She added:

“The Ultrafast Whole Genome Sequencing study has demonstrated the clinical benefits of the Constellation technology by accelerating diagnosis and precision treatments for children with cancer, and in many cases, minimising potential treatment burden. Thank you to the children and families who participated in the study.”

Professor David Rowitch, Co-Investigator and Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Cambridge, noted:

“The new Cambridge Children’s Hospital will continue to work with industry to further enable access to cutting-edge technologies locally and nationally for children with cancer, rare genetic diseases, and complex chronic conditions.”

Rosetrees’ Support for Translational Impact

The Ultrafast WGS study was made possible with funding from Rosetrees, alongside support from Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, the Isaac Newton Trust, and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. We are proud to have supported research that demonstrates real-world clinical impact and advances the future of paediatric cancer care.

When Cambridge Children’s Hospital opens, the Innovation Hub will relocate to the new Genomics Centre, one of six research centres within the Cambridge Children’s Research Institute. There, it will continue to drive forward the integration of genomic medicine into paediatric healthcare—ensuring children benefit from the latest innovations in science and technology.

Congratulations once again to Dr Aditi Vedi, Prof David Rowitch, and the entire CCH Innovation Hub team on this well-deserved recognition.