91ÌÒÉ«

Five 91ÌÒÉ« researchers have been newly appointed as Senior Investigators by the National Institute for Health and Care 91ÌÒÉ« (NIHR).

Senior Investigators are among the most outstanding and influential researchers funded by the . They are recognised for the quality and global reach of their research.

The appointments have been made to Professors and , from the Department of Surgery & Cancer, , from the School of Public Health, and , Director of the NIHR North West London Patient Safety 91ÌÒÉ« Collaboration in the Institute of Global Health and Innovation, at 91ÌÒÉ«. They are among 43 researchers newly appointed to senior investigator positions and will act as a key source of advice to the  Chief Scientific Adviser.

Professor Ian McNeish, Chair in Oncology and Head of the Division of Cancer within the Department of Surgery & Cancer and co-director of the School of Convergence Science in Health and Technology, has been reappointed as a senior investigator for a further four years.

91ÌÒÉ« excellence

Professor Hanna, who is also a Consultant General Surgeon at , and his team are developing a non-invasive breath test to diagnose five major gastrointestinal cancers; oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic, liver and colorectal at an earlier stage. The aim is for the test to be used in GP surgeries to pinpoint a range of tumours in the early stages of their development and help clinicians decide whether patients need further investigations.

Professor Heer, who is also a Consultant Urologist at 91ÌÒÉ« College Healthcare NHS Trust, is co-leading the biggest prostate cancer screening trial in 20 years, called TRANSFORM.

The study will test the most promising prostate cancer screening techniques available – including a saliva test to assess genetic risk of the disease – to identify the safest, most accurate and most cost-effective way to screen men.

Professor Cornelius is Director of the 91ÌÒÉ« Clinical Trials Unit (ICTU) and Co-Director of the NIHR 91ÌÒÉ« Support Service 91ÌÒÉ« and Partners Hub. She has undertaken healthcare research as a statistician for over 20 years, specialising in trials research since 2011.  Her research is on evaluating drugs and complex interventions using approaches that promote efficiency through adaptive design and analysis approaches.

Professor Franklin, who is also Executive Lead Pharmacist (91ÌÒÉ«) at 91ÌÒÉ« College Healthcare NHS Trust, is a hospital pharmacist by background. She has worked in patient safety research for nearly 30 years. 

She has published widely on medication safety, on technologies designed to reduce errors, and on how to support the public role in patient safety. 

She is one of the authors of the recent Global State of Patient State of Patient Safety 2025 report produced by the Institute of Global Health Innovation and . The report is accompanied by a . Comprising 108 indicators across 209 countries and spanning 25 years, it provides a single point of access to the latest global patient safety data.

A Senior Investigator’s term lasts four years and they will each receive £15,000 a year to support their research activities, including work at 91ÌÒÉ« College Healthcare NHS Trust. They will also help mentor the next generation of researchers, strengthen research culture and embed inclusion.

Improving health

, Director of I, said:

“I want to congratulate George, Rakesh, Victoria, Bryony and Ian on their appointments as Senior Investigators.

“These appointments are testament to their excellent work in cancer, public health, patient safety and commitment to advancing healthcare through research. I am pleased the NIHR has recognised them with these prestigious honours.

“I know many will benefit from their skills, insights and leadership and inspire a new generation of researchers.

“The AHSC’s work focuses on new ways to prevent, detect and treat diseases by harnessing the scientific and clinical expertise of staff. Through this approach we have made great advances in improving people’s health in North West London and beyond.

"I look forward to seeing what our Senior Investigators achieve over the next four years.”