In their recent assessment of trends in cancer research since the establishment of the National Cancer Research Network in 2001, Stead et al (2011) reported significant improvement in both patient recruitment and study delivery over the intervening time period. This has been largely attributed to the development of the UK cancer centres, an initiative similar to those seen across the EU27 (Ringborg et al, 2008) and the United States (Nass et al, 2010). In the United States, the move towards service centralisation has, however, made it increasingly difficult for clinicians working outside designated departments to maintain a research output and bibliometric profile sufficient to facilitate future support and funding (Nass et al, 2010). This emerging organisational structure for cancer research holds particular significance for those working in surgical oncology.