Richard is a world-leading paediatric oncology clinician scientist and the research lead and co-chair of the joint delivery board for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
He is also the chair of oncology at the Li Ka Shing Foundation, a healthcare charity, and head of the oncology department at the University of Cambridge; director of Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre; and senior group leader of Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.
Richard’s ground-breaking research is focused on understanding the origins of cancer and, in particular, children’s brain tumours. He has identified the origins of common and aggressive childhood brain tumours and many of the genetic alterations that drive these tumours. Findings from his research have changed the way conventional treatments are used, sparing children from unnecessary side effects, and led to clinical trials of new therapies.
In May 2022, Richard was recognised for his scientific excellence and elected as a fellow of the Royal Society.
Training as a paediatric oncologist in the UK, he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1995. From 2000, he moved to the USA where he held senior scientific roles at research hospitals and in 2015, Richard returned to England to work in Cambridge.