Since 1996 Prof Patrick Johnston has led the development of the Belfast City Hospital Cancer Centre and has built up this centre to the point where it now carries out a substantial number of clinical trials, takes part in international research and in 2006 opened the centre for cancer research and cell biology. The centre offers the latest imaging and treatment technologies and was recognised as one of first CRUK centres in 2008.

Prof Johnston speaks about the key areas of his research these including the relationship between DNA damage and death signalling, work identifying factors that determine whether an EGFR inhibitor is likely to be synergistic with chemotherapeutic agents, and the targeting of ADAM-17 (an enzyme associated with chemotherapy resistance).