Jack Birch Unit for Molecular Carcinogenesis

A centre of excellence in research on the human bladder lining, the urothelium.

Welcome from the Director

Professor Jenny Southgate
Director of the Jack Birch Unit for Molecular Carcinogenesis

Welcome to the website of the Jack Birch Unit for Molecular Carcinogenesis. The Jack Birch Unit was opened in 1992, funded by the generosity of the late Jack Birch, OBE and York Against Cancer.

Research in the Jack Birch Unit concentrates on epithelial tissues, which give rise to more than 80% of all adult human cancers. Our main focus is on bladder cancer which is studied relatively little despite being the 5th most common adult cancer. Bladder cancers develop from the urothelium, the specialised lining of the bladder wall.

PhD studentships

Self-funded Studentships

  • Homeostatic mechanisms in human urothelium: balancing of tissue regeneration and differentiation with implications for regenerative medicine and cancer

Fully-funded Studentships

Related websites

Histotech- Specialist histology service Providing high level consultancy & contract research

Kystis - Our Human Bladder Tissue Model A biologically relevant model in a commercially relevant format

News and events

York Rotary Club tour JBU

Members of the York Rotary Club tour the Jack Birch Unit

12 January 2018

In recognition of their fundraising efforts and to showcase our research, the York Vikings Rotary Club toured the Jack Birch Unit (JBU) and cancer biology laboratories.

York Against Cancer Challenge - Lyke Wake Walk

5 July 2017

Members of the Jack Birch Unit took on the Lyke Wake Walk on 25 June 2017, a full West to East crossing of the North York Moors National Park. 

25 years on the front line in the battle to beat cancer

22 May 2017

Researchers from the JBU are featured in York Press discussing the battle against cancer.

Chronic bladder diseases

14 March, 2017

Scientists say they are a step closer to solving chronic bladder diseases