The Academic Clinical Oncology and Radiobiology Research Network (ACORRN) was launched in 2005 to revitalise radiotherapy and radiobiology research in the UK.

The need for ACORRN was identified by the National Cancer Research Institute Radiotherapy and Related Radiobiology Progress Review Group in its 2003 report on the state of UK radiotherapy and radiobiology research. ACORRN was established in response to the sharp decline over the previous decade in the number of clinical academics and radiation biologists in the UK, which had left the UK’s radiotherapy and radiobiology communities with insufficient capacity to effectively address priority research questions. This was at a time when radiotherapy had seen one of the most rapid advances in technology and computerisation of any field of medicine.

ACORRN received set up funds and running costs for 2005-2008 from the National Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, The Medical Research Council, and the UK Department of Health and achieved much in this time. Key achievements include development of a multidisciplinary network, highly successful Working Parties, grant applications interactive discussion forums, and development of a strategic proposal and business plan for establishing a UK radiotherapy and radiobiology research platform, based on surveys and reports from members.

While much has been achieved by ACORRN and others over the last 5 years, much remains to be done. In 2009 the decision was taken to re-launch ACORRN as a Charity: ACORRN - Action Radiotherapy. ACORRN has highly ambitious £5 million fundraising plan and aims to use this funding to help improve UK radiotherapy and radiobiology research and service development, providing significant benefit to patients.

Remember, the amount of grant funding we can provide will depend on our fundraising. For more news on our fundraising activities, how you can get involved, and to donate to the charity, please visit our Charity section.