Peter Cheney

Peter is a University of Leeds alumnus and currently funds three major areas in disease models: retina disease, and two cancers of 'unmet need': glioblastoma and oesophageal cancer. His donations currently support four researchers of these diseases. Peter is also actively engaged with our research; attending research events and travelling to Leeds from his home in the USA as often as he can. We asked him to tell us about his career and why he was driven to personally fund this research.

Where did your career take you after studying at Leeds?  "I graduated from Leeds in 1969 with a Combined Studies Degree in Bacteriology and Biochemistry. After graduation I went into industry and undertook research into the production of penicillins. This was quickly followed by a move to Mars, Incorporated conducting research into mammalian cell culture and various other projects of a biological nature. Over the course of many years, my career developed into other areas of the business and into other parts of the Mars world. In 1990, my wife Sue and I, emigrated to the USA to pursue my career with the company. In 2000 I became CoPresident of Mars, Incorporated globally and retired from that position in 2004."

What inspired you to fund research in disease models?  "Throughout [my career] I have always retained a passionate interest in the biological sciences and in initiating higher risk/high payoff projects often focussed on areas of technology that, at the time, were in their infancy. Now I am in a position to give back something that may one day be of benefit to others. I take great pride in how Leeds has developed as a world leading university and am particularly keen to seed new areas of research where the full benefits of a truly multidisciplinary approach can be applied."