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 clinical research strategy and accelerate efforts to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
An internationally recognized authority in the fields of cancer genomics and metastasis, Professor Jamal-Hanjani brings a wealth of academic and clinical expertise to her new position. Alongside her leadership role with the prominent charity, she serves as a Professor of Cancer Genomics and Metastasis at University College London (UCL), where her research has consistently pushed the boundaries of modern oncology. Her academic and scientific work centers heavily on understanding how cancer evolves, spreads throughout the body, and ultimately develops resistance to existing therapies.
Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Jamal-Hanjani has spearheaded major, high-impact studies investigating complex malignancies such as lung cancer. Her scientific contributions have been instrumental in helping the global scientific community understand the dynamic nature of tumors—specifically, how they change over time and why certain cancers become increasingly stubborn and difficult to treat. By decoding these intricate biological mechanisms, her research aims to pave the way for the development of more precise, targeted treatments that can drastically improve clinical outcomes and survival rates for patients facing formidable cancer diagnoses.
The appointment has been met with widespread enthusiasm and endorsement from leaders across the scientific and medical communities, including Cancer Research UK Chief Executive Michelle Mitchell. Highlighting Professor Jamal-Hanjani’s impressive track record and exceptional leadership capabilities, Mitchell praised her deep understanding of cancer biology and her capacity to manage ambitious research initiatives.
"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," Mitchell stated, underscoring the vital importance of the new Chief Clinician’s expertise in tackling some of the most difficult challenges in modern medicine.
Reflecting on her new responsibilities and the broader mission of the organization, Professor Jamal-Hanjani expressed both humility and determination regarding the road ahead. She emphasized the profound impact that dedicated funding and focused scientific inquiry can have on the lives of everyday people affected by the disease.
"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 remarked.
She further noted her intention to prioritize the rapid translation of cutting-edge research into tangible improvements in patient care. In doing so, she highlighted the National Health Service (NHS) as an invaluable national asset, emphasizing its critical role in bridging the gap between groundbreaking laboratory discoveries and the patients who stand to benefit from them the most. By leveraging the infrastructure of the NHS, clinical researchers can more effectively apply novel therapies and diagnostic tools within diverse patient populations, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into meaningful clinical progress.
Professor Jamal-Hanjani officially assumed her new role in October 2026. In taking on the mantle of Chief Clinician, she succeeds Professor Charles Swanton, another pioneering figure in cancer research who held the prestigious position since 2017 and left a lasting legacy of scientific discovery and leadership during his tenure. As Professor Jamal-Hanjani steps into the post, Cancer Research UK looks forward to a new chapter of clinical innovation under her guidance, with the ultimate goal of transforming cancer care and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.