Muslim Woman Appointed Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK

Renowned cancer researcher Professor Mariam Jamal-Hanjani has been appointed Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK, one of the world’s leading cancer research charities. In her new role, she will help shape the organisation’s clinical research strategy and lead efforts to improve cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

Her appointment is expected to strengthen the charity’s efforts to translate scientific discoveries into more effective treatments for people living with cancer.

Professor Jamal-Hanjani is currently Professor of Cancer Genomics and Metastasis at University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. She is internationally recognised for her research into how cancer evolves, spreads to different parts of the body and develops resistance to existing treatments.

Her work focuses on understanding the complex biological mechanisms that enable cancer cells to adapt and survive, potentially helping researchers identify new approaches to treatment.

In her new position, she will bring this expertise to Cancer Research UK’s clinical research programmes, helping guide scientific priorities and accelerate the development of treatments that could benefit patients.

Expressing her enthusiasm about the appointment, Professor Jamal-Hanjani highlighted Cancer Research UK’s established track record of turning scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients.

She said she considered it a tremendous privilege to contribute to the organisation’s mission and expressed her commitment to accelerating the development of new and more effective cancer treatments.

One of the most significant challenges in cancer care is metastasis, the process through which cancer spreads from its original site to other parts of the body. It remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths and a key focus of research worldwide.

Professor Jamal-Hanjani’s expertise in cancer genomics could help advance understanding of how tumours evolve and spread, potentially opening new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer Research UK has long worked to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical practice, supporting research aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

As Chief Clinician, Professor Jamal-Hanjani is expected to play an important role in strengthening the connection between scientific research and patient care.

Her appointment comes amid continued international efforts to develop more personalised and effective cancer treatments, with researchers increasingly focusing on the genetic changes that drive tumour growth and treatment resistance.

The appointment is expected to reinforce Cancer Research UK’s clinical research ambitions and support its broader mission to improve outcomes for cancer patients.