THE STORY OF MERMAID

2010

In October the first results of the research of MERMAID II is published in the scientific journal, The Journal of The National Cancer Institute. The results are a breakthrough and of significant international importance.

The research in MERMAID I is finalized in December 2010. The independent audit committee (”IAC”) writes in its final evauation:

“The IAC can conclude, without hesitation, that this has been one of the most important and productive scientific initiatives within the field of gynecological cancer research. The Mermaid I has not only produced new knowledge for the benefit of women baring the risk of or with ovarian cancer, but also sets the scene for the future scientific activity within this area.”

In the first evaluation of the research of MERMAID II the professors in IAC conclude:

…”The progress during the last two years is very impressive and the handling of the technologies used by the investigators is very competent…………..
The project has resulted in important new knowledge in relation to the natural history of HPV infection and cervical neoplasia”…

Several and substantial donations are received during the year. The fundraising continues!

2009

MERMAIDs “Præsidium” changes its name to Advisory Committee (See “Who are we”).

2008

Members of the Steering Committee, Suzanne B D L Kürstein and Christen W. Obel are replaced by KristianEngsig and Stephan N. Treschow who becomes a chairman of the Steering Committee and the Advisory Committee (See “Who are we”).

2007

Focus on raising funds for Mermaid II. The Danish Singer Lis Sørensen accepts to be a Goodwill Amabassador for MERMAID. Other Goodwill Amabassdors in MERMAID are Bente and Peter Schmeichel.

2006

Fund raising for MERMAID II – Cervical Cancer - research in biological and genetic markers is initiated.

2005

An independent scientific monitoring group is set up with the aim of auditing the annual scientific report on MERMAID’s projects.

The group is composed of:

  • Professor Bent Ottesen, Centre
    Director of the Juliane Marie
    Centre, Copenhagen University
    Hospital
  • Professor Per Oluf Janson,
    Shalgrenska University Hospital,
    Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Professor Henrik Hertz,
    Copenhagen University Hospital,
    Chairman of the Danish Children’s
    Cancer Foundation
  • Professor Ian Jacobs, Institute of
    Women’s Health, University
    College London, England.

The MERMAID steering committee is very pleased to have received full funding for MERMAID I, and a new project is chosen in co-operation with the scientific monitoring group.

2004

2004. HH Princess Alexandra joins the steering committee.

Raising funds for MERMAID I is intensified, and an administrative co-ordinator is employed with primary focus on fundraising.

2003 - 2002

2003. A steering group is formed, to have prime responsibility for MERMAID’s funds, administration, fundraising and choice of which gynaecological cancer projects to support. The steering committee:

  • Peter Vagn-Jensen, Director
  • Professor Susanne Krüger Kjær, M.D., DMSc.
  • Jan Blaakær, M.D., DMSc.
  • Claus Høgdall, M.D., DMsc.
  • Suzanne B.D.L. Kürstein, Director
  • Christen W. Obel, Consultant
  • Henrik Schrøder, Company Director

2002. The scientifically responsible research group of MERMAID I is formed and composed of:

  • Professor Susanne Krüger Kjær, M.D.,
    DMSc. of the Danish Cancer Society
    /Copenhagen University Hospital
  • Jan Blaakær, M.D., DMSc., Skejby
    Hospital
  • Claus Høgdall, M.D., DMSc.,
    Copenhagen University Hospital
  • Professor Ian Jacobs, University
    College London

Proper applications are forwarded to privat foundations, and the first commitments to finance the project are received.

MERMAID is established as a legal entity, the first researchers are employed, and the real research is started.

2001 - 2000

2001. When the projects have been defined in the research group, the first potential sources of finance are contacted.

2000. The idea of MERMAID I is created in a co-operation between:

  • Peter Vagn-Jensen, Director
  • Professor Susanne Krüger Kjær, M.D., DMSc. of the Danish Cancer Society/Copenhagen University Hospital
  • Professor Ian Jacobs, University College London
Mermaid
Mermaid