Professor Sam Behjati has today been announced as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci). The title recognises his work on improving diagnosis and treatments of childhood cancers.
Professor Behjati is an honorary consultant in paediatric oncology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and will lead the Children’s Cancer Centre which will form a part of the Cambridge Children’s Hospital’s (opens in a new tab) Research Institute.
I am honoured to become a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Genomics has huge potential to advance our understanding and improve treatment of childhood cancers. It is critical that we make the most of new and emerging technologies to continue providing better care for these children.
Professor Sam Behjati, honorary consultant paediatric oncologist at CUH and clinical professor of paediatric oncology, University of Cambridge
Professor Behjati's research work focuses on genetic changes within cancer and using genomic technologies to understand and improve treatment of childhood cancers.
In 2022, he use whole genome sequencing to show that baby Oliver did not need to undergo invasive cancer treatment.
More recently, he has shown how genomics can improve care for many more children with cancer, and how genetic insights can predict cancer progression, which could enable new treatment approaches.
In addition to his NHS work, Professor Behjati is clinical professor of paediatric oncology at the University of Cambridge and a research group leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
Last year he received the Francis Crick Medal – an award for excellent work in genetics, molecular biology or neurobiology – from the Royal Society. He has also previously received the Foulkes Foundation Medal from the Academy of Medical Sciences as a rising star in biomedical research.
Sam and 53 other newly-elected Fellows will be formally admitted in a ceremony to take place in July.
Read the announcement of all new Fellows
There are around 1,450 Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences. They play a key role in Academy’s work, which includes nurturing the next generation of scientists and shaping research and health policy in the UK and worldwide.