A new cancer research centre which aims to boost collaboration between medical experts and improve treatments will be launched on Thursday.
The Cancer Research UK Centre in Dundee is the first to open north of the border.
It will focus on developing treatments for bowel, breast and skin cancer, and build on the development of highly advanced image-guided surgical techniques.
The centre will bring together researchers and support from the University of Dundee, Cancer Research UK and NHS Tayside, enabling researchers who do not normally work together to exchange information more easily.
Its launch coincides with World Cancer Day 2010 which aims to raise awareness of cancer prevention.
Professor Irene Leigh, head of the college of medicine, dentistry and nursing at the University of Dundee and chair of the board of the new centre, said: "This is a very exciting development for cancer research in Scotland.
"The new centre will help us bring together a variety of researchers and clinicians to collaborate and work together to improve the lives of cancer patients across Scotland.
"By building closer links between scientists and doctors we want to increase the pace of research, leading to improved treatments for patients."
The new Cancer Research UK Centre in Dundee joins others in Newcastle, Cardiff, Liverpool, Belfast and London which focus on different areas of research. It is hoped centres may eventually open in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Cancer Research UK already supports research in Dundee but is set to increase its contribution to over £7.5million a year to help develop the centre.
Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "Huge progress has been made in beating cancer since the charity was formed and we're determined to carry on.
"Funding these centres of excellence is one of the charity's priorities and will enable us to work towards the goals we have set to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients.
"But we continue to welcome the generous donations we receive from the public to ensure we can continue to build on what we have started today."
Cancer survivors welcomed the news of the new centre in Dundee.
Jim Scott, 62, from Dundee, needed extensive surgery after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer, although his cancer was diagnosed early.
He said: "Cancer research is so important. It is really great news that Dundee, where I was treated, is becoming the first Cancer Research UK centre in Scotland. I'll always be thankful for the screening tests and the incredible skills of everyone who helped me through my cancer experience."
