27 Million NOK from Trond Mohn Research Foundation: Bergen Researchers Take a New Step in the Fight Against Cancer
Bergen’s research community strengthens its position at the forefront of international proton research as the Trond Mohn Research Foundation (TMF) awards NOK 27 million to the project ProtonSUMMIT. With a total budget of nearly NOK 80 million, the project accelerates the development of future cancer treatments.
The work will be based in the new proton building at the foot of Mount Ulriken. Here, researchers will combine expertise in medicine, physics, biology, imaging, and artificial intelligence to understand how proton therapy affects patients. The project, led by medical physicist and researcher Camilla Stokkevåg at Haukeland University Hospital, will investigate how proton radiation impacts cells and tissues, map the underlying mechanisms, and identify single and combined biomarkers that can provide new insights into treatment effectiveness.
For many years, TMF has contributed to strengthening research environments at Haukeland, UiB, and HVL. This grant gives the project long-term momentum to build on Bergen’s strong academic foundation. With ProtonSUMMIT, the community takes an important step toward developing the knowledge needed to shape advanced cancer treatment, both nationally and internationally.
The project aims to develop new methods that maximize the potential of the technology, enabling more patients to receive treatment that is both targeted and gentle. At the same time, the research strengthens expertise within the field and lays the groundwork for further development of advanced cancer therapies.
“This grant is an important recognition of the competence and ambition we have at Helse Bergen. It allows us to develop treatments that benefit our patients while reinforcing Bergen and Norway’s position as leaders in modern cancer care,” says Oddbjørn Straume, Director of the Cancer Clinic.
“The foundation’s commitment to particle therapy as a cancer treatment began in 2014 with support for capacity building, equipment purchases, method development, and research. It is therefore a great pleasure to contribute further by supporting this promising project.” says Nicholas Nunn, CEO of Trond Mohn Research Foundation.
