Ralston Paterson

James Ralston Kennedy "RP" Paterson, CBE MC FRCS FRCR (21 May 1897 – 29 August 1981) was a Scottish medical doctor and scientist specialising in oncology and radiology.

He attended George Heriot’s School and upon graduation served as an officer in World War I with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and was decorated with the Military Cross.

[6] In November 1943, Paterson and his wife were invited by the government of Australia, including Queensland and Victoria, to assist with the establishment of a cancer institute that would provide medical care and services to the community.

[7] Paterson retired in 1962 and he and his wife devoted their efforts to the running of a cattle and sheep farm at Stenreishill, near Moffat, Scotland.

Although since renamed the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, it occupies the Paterson Building, a modern 25,000 square metres (270,000 sq ft) laboratory completed in 2024.