Professor Mariam Jamal-Hanjani has been officially appointed as the new Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK, stepping into a prominent leadership role that will help shape the charity’s clinical research strategy and spearhead ongoing efforts to improve cancer treatment outcomes worldwide.
In her new capacity, Professor Jamal-Hanjani will guide the strategic direction of clinical research supported by the organization, working closely with researchers, clinicians, and healthcare institutions to translate groundbreaking scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients. Her appointment marks a significant transition for the charity, bringing a globally respected specialist in oncology and genomics to the forefront of its clinical leadership team.
An internationally recognized researcher, Professor Jamal-Hanjani currently serves as a Professor of Cancer Genomics and Metastasis at University College London (UCL). Her academic and clinical career has been defined by a deep focus on understanding the complex mechanisms governing how cancer evolves, spreads throughout the body, and develops resistance to conventional medical treatments.
Her extensive body of work includes leading major, high-impact studies investigating lung cancer, a disease that remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally. Through this research, she and her teams have helped the global scientific community gain critical insights into how tumors change and mutate over time. By mapping out the evolutionary trajectories of cancer cells, her research has shed light on why certain cancers become increasingly difficult to treat as they progress. These insights are considered vital for paving the way toward more precise, targeted treatments capable of anticipating and overcoming drug resistance, ultimately aiming to secure better long-term survival outcomes for patients.
The appointment has drawn high praise from leadership across the medical research sector. Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, welcomed Professor Jamal-Hanjani to the role by highlighting her extensive track record of academic excellence and leadership in complex oncological studies.
"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 said, emphasizing the value of her scientific background in driving the charity’s mission forward.
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.
She further noted her intention to focus on accelerating the translation of laboratory research into improved clinical outcomes, pointing to the National Health Service (NHS) as an invaluable national asset. She emphasized that the UK’s healthcare infrastructure plays a pivotal role in connecting pioneering scientific discoveries directly with the patients who need them most, bridging the gap between innovative academic research and everyday clinical practice.
Professor Jamal-Hanjani officially commenced her new role in October 2026. She succeeds Professor Charles Swanton, who successfully held the position of Chief Clinician since 2017, steering the charity through a transformative period of clinical advancements and leaving behind a robust foundation for future research initiatives.