Little Princess Trust Professor of Paediatric Oncology
This is a newly established programme within the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford, designed to harness Oxford's world-leading cancer research capabilities and focus them on one of medicine's most urgent challenges: improving outcomes for children and young people diagnosed with cancer.
Led by Professor Isidro Cortés-Ciriano
Childhood cancers remain a leading cause of disease-related death in children and young people worldwide. While outcomes have improved for many patients, significant unmet need remains for children with high-risk, relapsed and rare cancers. In addition, many survivors experience long-term consequences of treatment. The group's research aims to address these challenges through the development of more effective, targeted and less toxic therapies.
This position and group has been established through a partnership between the University of Oxford and the Little Princess Trust, one of the UK's leading funders of childhood cancer research. Its mission is to accelerate the development of innovative therapies for children and young people with cancer by bringing together expertise from across Oxford's internationally recognised research ecosystem.
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish Oxford as a leading international centre for paediatric oncology research and therapeutic innovation.
By combining expertise in cancer biology, genomics, immunology, translational medicine, AI and clinical research, we aim to improve understanding of childhood cancers and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into treatments that benefit patients.
The group serves as a focal point for paediatric oncology research across the University, connecting researchers, clinicians and partners working towards a common goal: improving outcomes for children with cancer.
Research Themes
Understanding the Biology of Childhood Cancers
A fundamental understanding of disease biology is essential for developing better treatments. The group investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive childhood cancers, with a particular focus on aggressive and rare malignancies where treatment options remain limited.
Precision Medicine and Genomics
Advances in genomic technologies and AI are transforming our ability to understand cancer at an individual level. We seek to identify the genetic and molecular changes that contribute to cancer development and treatment resistance, enabling the design of more precise therapeutic approaches.
Therapeutic Development
A central objective of the programme is the development of novel therapies for childhood cancers. We work across the translational research pathway, from target discovery and validation through to preclinical development and clinical evaluation. Recognising that childhood cancer is a global challenge, we foster international collaborations that bring together complementary expertise, enabling discoveries to be translated into improved outcomes for children worldwide.
Rare Childhood Cancers
Many paediatric cancers are rare diseases that require specialist expertise and collaborative research approaches. The group has a particular interest in advancing therapies for rare childhood cancers, including brain tumours, sarcomas and haematological malignancies.
Clinical Translation
Our research is designed with patient impact in mind. We aim to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical implementation by working closely with clinical investigators, trial networks and therapeutic development partners.
The Oxford Environment
The Paediatric Oncology Research Group benefits from Oxford's unique concentration of expertise in cancer research and therapeutic development.
The University is home to more than 900 cancer researchers working across a wide range of disciplines, including genetics, immunology, drug discovery, imaging, data science, epidemiology and clinical trials.
The group collaborates closely with researchers and clinicians across:
These collaborations provide access to world-leading infrastructure, specialised technologies and expertise required to translate discoveries into patient benefit.
Training and Research Culture
The group is committed to fostering the next generation of paediatric oncology researchers.
We provide an interdisciplinary environment that supports doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, clinician-scientists and research staff, encouraging collaboration across basic, translational and clinical research disciplines.
Working with Us
We welcome opportunities for collaboration with academic researchers, clinicians, industry partners, patient organisations and charities who share our commitment to improving outcomes for children with cancer.
Our goal is to build a collaborative research community capable of delivering transformative advances in childhood cancer treatment and care.
Contact
Professor Isidro Cortés-Ciriano
Little Princess Trust Professor of Paediatric Oncology
Department of Paediatrics
University of Oxford
For research collaboration opportunities, postgraduate study enquiries and partnership discussions, please email the Department of Paediatrics at: communications@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk