Oriel College, University of Oxford Fellowship Scheme
Launched in 2018, the ABC Oriel Fellowship Scheme provides vital funding for outstanding scientists and clinicians conducting breast cancer research at the University of Oxford. The Fellowships are awarded on a 3-year basis with two fellows receiving support concurrently.
In early 2026, a new Memorandum of Understanding was signed by ABC and Lord Mendoza CBE, Provost, Oriel College, to extend the scheme. ABC will provide up to £500,000 in funding between 2029 and 2038, enabling the programme to continue to support the next generation of breast cancer research leaders.
The scheme has already made a significant contribution to advancing secondary breast cancer research, driving progress in understanding the disease and improving outcomes for patients.
In 2026, Oriel College celebrated its 700th anniversary since the foundation of the college was confirmed by King Edward II.
Research Programmes
Investigating whether tertiary lymphoid structures in breast cancer are engines of anti-tumour immunity
Dr Isabela Pedroza-Pacheco, University of Oxford
Dr Isabela Pedroza-Pacheco will investigate anti-tumour immunity by applying advanced proteomic and gene expression technologies to analyse tissues and cells obtained from breast cancer patients.
The Effect of Metformin on Breast Cancer Metabolism
Dr Simon Lord, University of Oxford
As part of ABC’s Junior Research Fellowship programme Dr. Simon Lord aims to understand how the drug metformin affects cancer cell growth and metabolism and whether it might be effective as a new cancer treatment.
BRCA1, BRCA2 and DNA repair mechanisms
Dr Andrew Blackford, University of Oxford
As part of ABC’s Junior Research Fellowship programme Dr. Andrew Blackford aims to understand how BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins repair DNA and stop tumours forming.