Professor Mariam Jamal-Hanjani has been officially appointed as the new Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK, stepping into a prominent leadership role designed to steer the charity’s overarching clinical research strategies and bolster its ongoing efforts to revolutionize cancer treatment and patient care.
An internationally recognized authority in her field, Professor Jamal-Hanjani serves as a Professor of Cancer Genomics and Metastasis at University College London (UCL). Her academic and clinical career has been defined by a rigorous focus on understanding the complex mechanisms of how cancer evolves, spreads throughout the body, and develops resilience against modern therapeutic interventions.
Her groundbreaking research portfolio includes leading major, high-impact studies investigating lung cancer, a disease that continues to present some of the most formidable challenges in modern oncology. Through her work, scientists have gained deeper insights into how tumours change dynamically over time and why certain malignancies ultimately become resistant to conventional and advanced treatments. This intricate understanding of cancer biology is widely considered a vital stepping stone toward the development of highly personalized, targeted therapies capable of delivering significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients facing advanced diagnoses.
The appointment has drawn widespread acclaim from leaders within the scientific and medical communities. Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, lauded Professor Jamal-Hanjani’s exceptional track record and her capacity to drive forward innovative approaches in oncology.
"Mariam brings to Cancer Research UK deep experience of leading high-performing research teams that are delivering radical new insights into how cancer changes as it grows, spreads, resists treatment and sometimes returns," Michelle Mitchell remarked, highlighting the strategic importance of the appointment as the charity continues to pioneer cutting-edge clinical initiatives.
Reflecting on her new responsibilities, Professor Jamal-Hanjani expressed both enthusiasm and a profound sense of responsibility regarding the path ahead.
"Cancer Research UK has an extraordinary track record of turning scientific discovery into real-world benefit for patients, and the chance to help shape that mission is something I feel deeply privileged to take on," Professor Jamal-Hanjani stated.
In addition to driving innovative research, she emphasized a core objective to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into tangible benefits for patients across the healthcare landscape. Crucially, she highlighted the National Health Service (NHS) as a cornerstone asset capable of bridging the gap between advanced scientific breakthroughs and everyday clinical delivery, ensuring that new treatments reach the individuals who need them most efficiently and equitably.
Professor Jamal-Hanjani officially commenced her tenure as Chief Clinician in October 2026. She succeeds Professor Charles Swanton, a distinguished oncologist and researcher who successfully held the prestigious position since 2017, guiding the charity through numerous milestones in cancer research and clinical trial development.