The overarching aim of the Cancer Epidemiology Research Group is ‘to undertake research of clinical and public health relevance aimed at preventing cancer development and progression’.  In addition to our core research in cancer epidemiology, we have several specialist research strengths:

• Early Diagnosis and Detection
• Premalignant conditions and Cancer Registration
• Global health research in cancer
• Applied statistical methods

The group is closely allied to the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR).  Researchers from the Cancer Epidemiology Research Group collaborate closely with colleagues in other centres, research and focus groups within Queen’s University Belfast, particularly the Health Services Research Group (CPH), and The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research.

We also work within a multi-disciplinary network of national and international collaborators and have particularly strong links with researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, National Cancer Institute, USA, the MRC Cancer Unit, Cambridge, and Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, USA. 

The group has an outstanding record of early-career mentorship, hosting several Cancer Research UK Population Research Postdoctoral Fellowship awardees. We have an excellent record of supervising MPhil, MD and PhD students (including Clinical fellows) to completion of their higher degrees. Our group includes approximately 15-20 postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate research students representing diverse backgrounds and nationalities. We hold a PhD-student led group meeting weekly throughout the academic year, providing a vibrant and supportive environment in which to train in cancer epidemiology research.  

The Cancer Epidemiology Research Group was founded by the late Professor Liam Murray. The Professor Liam Murray Cancer Epidemiology Symposium is held annually to showcase the continuing legacy of research in Cancer Epidemiology at Queen’s University Belfast.