Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre
The Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre on the Gartnavel Hospitals Campus is part of the University of Glasgow’s School of Cancer Sciences. The Centre was officially opened on 22nd May 2008 by Dr Richard Rockefeller. It was built after a fundraising drive by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Blood Cancer UK (previously Leukaemia Research Fund/Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research/Bloodwise), which saw more than £2.6million raised in six years, through the commitment and generosity of more than 1800 donors and supporters. Our ongoing fundraising effort has enabled us to maintain our competitive edge on an international stage providing funding for cutting-edge technologies and key research personnel. We are extremely grateful for the support of all the donors who volunteer their time and imagination to develop fundraising ideas for our Centre.
The Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre is a state-of-the-art research facility, incorporating the latest research equipment required to perform basic, translational and clinical research. The Centre also benefits from close interactions with the Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute (CRUK-SI; previously Beatson Institute for Cancer Research), the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, both at Garscube Campus, the clinical departments of the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, and the University of Glasgow Gilmorehill campus research departments.
The major research focus of the Centre is the blood stem cell which can be damaged, leading to the development of different forms of blood cancer, termed “leukaemia”. Our aim is to perform laboratory research to identify weaknesses in the blood stem cells which may be targeted by drugs, leading to new and effective treatments for patients with blood cancers.
The Centre is named after Paul O’Gorman, who tragically lost his battle with leukaemia aged just 14. Paul’s parents, Eddie & Marion, set up the charity Children with Leukaemia (now called Children with Cancer), which collaborated with Leukaemia Research to help raise the funds needed to build this important centre. Sadly, Eddie passed away in 2025 but his legacy lives on through the vital research taking place here in Glasgow.
From Professor Alison Michie, Director of the Centre
“The Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, or “POG” as it is affectionately known, is an internationally-recognised leukaemia research hub that houses state-of-the-art technologies, enabling us to perform cutting-edge research. Our established participation in translational and clinical research at local, national and international levels enables us to maintain our competitive edge, building awareness of the important research that happens every day in the Centre, and in the wider leukaemia biology research groups within Cancer Sciences, and recognising the importance of our work for leukaemia patients. Indeed, a key strength of our Centre is its co-location with the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, driving the development of interactions and collaborations with clinical experts in the treatment of leukaemia, and rapid translation of research findings to clinical trials. There are currently 5 research groups based within POG, working on acute and chronic forms of blood cancer, using the latest research techniques to improve our understanding of blood cancers and develop new treatments to benefit patients.
Friends of The Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre 
In 2009 a committee made up of patients, volunteers and donors was established to raise awareness about the Centre and to generate vital research funds. The committee organises a broad selection of events throughout the year. If you would like to hear more about these events or wish to discuss joining the committee, please contact Alison.Michie@gla.systa-s.com or Givingtoglasgow@gla.systa-s.com