Oxford Cancer, together with the CRIS Cancer Foundation, announced her appointment along with that of Dr Casmir Turnquist, who is part of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences.
The CRIS Cancer Postdoctoral Clinical Fellowships aim to support the next generation of clinician-scientists at the interface of cancer research and clinical practice. Both fellows will lead on two distinct projects focused on childhood cancer over the course of three years. In addition to funding, the fellowship entitles them to mentorship, training and access to world-class facilities to accelerate their journey towards independent research careers.
Rebecca's research will focus on improving outcomes for children with high-risk acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Her research will explore how the developmental stage influences the biology of infant and paediatric KMT2A-rearranged AML, and she will develop and test novel “off-the-shelf” CAR iNKT immunotherapies as potential new treatment options for these aggressive leukaemias.
Casmir will lead a pioneering project to transform cancer diagnostics for children, teenagers, and young adults. By integrating long-read sequencing and advanced single-cell technologies into NHS pathology services, her work aims to deliver rapid, accurate molecular diagnoses for rare fusion-driven cancers, laying the groundwork for personalised therapies and improved outcomes.
The fellowships further Oxford Cancer and the CRIS Cancer Foundation’s ongoing partnership, which commits to advancing cutting-edge cancer research and nurturing clinical leaders whose work directly benefits patients. CRIS Cancer first supported the appointment of two clinical fellows with a donation made in 2022. Oxford Cancer is incredibly grateful for the Foundation’s continued support for two new fellows.
Marta Brime, Chair of CRIS Cancer UK, said: "At CRIS, we are especially proud of our partnership with Oxford University to focus on paediatric cancer—one of the most underfunded areas of research, yet one with the potential to transform the lives of children and their families. By supporting these exceptionally talented doctors at this early stage in their careers, we ensure that the brightest minds are empowered from the very beginning to lead groundbreaking advances in childhood cancer research."
Mark Middleton, Co-Director of Oxford Cancer added: "These fellowships empower budding clinician-scientists to take bold, novel approaches to research and patient care. We are grateful to CRIS Cancer and proud to support Rebecca and Casmir’s development as scientists and in pursuing projects with the potential to transform care for young cancer patients."