British Friends of Haifa University hosted a wine tasting evening at Dartmouth House in Mayfair on Tuesday 16 November. Executive director Jack Raymond welcomed over 80 people to the reception, held in support of the work of Dr Sarit Larisch, whose pioneering cancer research programme is at an "exciting and crucial stage."
Special guests included Professor Yossi ben Artzi, currently on sabbatical at Cambridge University. Amos Gaver, Vice President of External Relations and Resource Development also sent his best wishes from Haifa for a successful evening.
DR SARIT LARISCH
Guests sampled the produce of Chateau Golan Winery whose owner, Shuki Shai, gave a talk about his vineyard and the history of wine.
In a keynote address, Dr Larisch said the treatments being developed with the cell death protein ARTS are expected to kill cancer cells without major side effects.
She said: "When our cells lose the ability to die, they proliferate and we get cancer. I've spent ten years understanding how the molecular mechanism works and we now have most of the picture. Our research is at an exciting and crucial stage and I do believe we are getting very close to being able to develop a new kind of anti-cancer drug."
Afterwards, Jack Raymond said: "Cancer is one of the commonest causes of suffering in this world and many of us have lost loved ones to the disease. This has been a lovely evening and I am heartened by the initial response to our appeal for funds. Haifa University is the only research facility in the world focusing on this type of cancer treatment."
It is hoped to raise around one million pounds within a year to ensure the project reaches its next stage. This will include providing the laboratory with a new imaging machine and funding for additional PhD students.
British Friends of Haifa University is a UK charity which raises funds for the University of Haifa and promotes its endeavours and achievements including many cutting edge breakthroughs and discoveries for the improvement of people's lives around the world. Any donations make a real and profound effect on the lives of students at the University and help scientists and researchers find better cures and innovations for the benefit of all mankind.