Childhood Cancer Conference 2025

We have 4 keynote speakers joining us for the Research Conference to discuss progress and outputs from their research projects: 

Name: Professor Louis Chesler  

Institution: Institute of Cancer Research, London   

About: Professor Louis Chesler is a leading clinician-scientist at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), specialising in the development of novel therapies for the three most common solid tumours in children – neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and medulloblastoma. His research focuses on translating laboratory discoveries into early-phase clinical trials, particularly in targeted and precision medicine. Professor Chesler leads one of the UK’s most advanced preclinical platforms for paediatric oncology drug development and is a key contributor to national and international consortia aiming to accelerate therapeutic innovation for children with cancer.

Name: Professor Chris Halsey   

Institution: University of Glasgow  

About: Professor Chris Halsey is Chair of Paediatric Haematology at the University of Glasgow who is an expert in translational research for childhood leukaemia. Her research centres on the biology and treatment of leukaemias that have spread to involve the central nervous system (CNS). Current projects include investigating the adaptation of leukaemic cells to CNS and bone marrow microenvironments and identifying metabolic vulnerabilities that can be exploited therapeutically.  

 Professor Halsey is widely recognised for her leadership in integrating biological insights into trial design and has led several UK-wide initiatives to refine risk stratification and personalise therapy in paediatric haematology. She is a strong advocate for collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and families.  

Name: Professor Steven Clifford  

Institution: Newcastle University  

About: Professor Steve Clifford is a globally recognised leader in the field of childhood brain tumour research. As Director of the Centre for Cancer at Newcastle University, he has pioneered molecular stratification approaches for medulloblastoma and other CNS tumours. His work has helped lay the foundation for precision medicine in paediatric neuro-oncology, informing clinical trial design and risk-adapted treatment strategies. Professor Clifford is also a long-standing collaborator on Children with Cancer UK–funded projects and a mentor to early-career researchers across the UK.  

Name: Professor Kathy Pritchard-Jones

Institution: University College London / Great Ormond Street Hospital  

About: Professor Kathy Pritchard-Jones is emeritus Professor of Paediatric Oncology at UCL and the immediate past president of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP). A global authority on Wilms tumour and childhood kidney cancers, she has played a pivotal role in shaping international treatment protocols and clinical trial networks. Professor Pritchard-Jones is a vocal champion of data sharing, early diagnosis, and international collaboration — and has played a key role in the development of integrated care and research models across Europe and globally.  

We have patient families, collaborators and early career researchers speaking, giving updates from a broad spectrum of the community. 

The finalised agenda will be available in due course.