The Proton Beam School

The Christie Proton School 

Leading the future of proton beam therapy education 

The Christie Proton School brings together the expertise of the Proton Beam Therapy Centre, the Christie Institute for Cancer Education, and the Proton Research Team at the University of Manchester. Together, we deliver world-class, evidence-based education that supports the safe, effective and forward-thinking delivery of proton therapy across the UK and internationally. 

As home to the first high-energy NHS proton beam therapy centre, we draw directly on our lived experience of developing, implementing and growing this pioneering service. Our programmes are shaped by the clinicians, scientists, researchers and operational experts who built and continue to advance proton therapy at The Christie. 

Our Purpose 

To equip the cancer workforce with the confidence, knowledge and skills to deliver outstanding proton therapy — grounded in science, shaped by clinical experience, and focused on improving outcomes for patients and families. 

A uniquely integrated teaching environment 

Our education programme is led by Dr Ed Smith, with academic leadership from Dr Cathy Heaven, and close collaboration with Professor Karen Kirkby and the University of Manchester’s Proton Research Team. 

This partnership ensures that every course reflects: 

• The latest research and emerging evidence 
• Practical insight from a functioning high-energy proton service 
• Real-world learning from multidisciplinary teams 
• A holistic understanding of service development at scale 
• Learners benefit from access to a specialist faculty of clinicians, physicists, scientists, therapists, project managers and operational leaders who have been instrumental in shaping proton therapy delivery in the UK.