Meet Professor Michelle Garrett
Professor Michelle Garrett, the new chair of the Pancreatic Cancer UK Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Professor Michelle Garrett as the new Chair of Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Michelle is Professor of Cancer Therapeutics in the School of Biosciences at the University of Kent and we are thrilled to be able to work with her and draw from her vast array of knowledge in cancer research to help transform the lives of people affected by pancreatic cancer.
The SAB largely consists of a group of experts in pancreatic cancer from all across the world and we consult them to decide which research projects to fund, in order to ensure that we only fund projects of the highest standard. Michelle brings to the SAB, a huge breadth of research expertise in the field of cancer drug discovery and development. Her career has spanned industry and academia, multiple world-class organisations and two continents. She has been at the forefront of drug discovery research in many cancer types and has been responsible for bringing numerous drugs in to the clinic, improving the treatment options for countless people with cancer. Prof Garrett has also worked closely with other major funders of cancer research in the UK such as Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Now and the Medical Research Council, sitting as a member of strategy and funding committees.
Although pancreatic cancer has not been a key focus area for her previous work, Prof Garrett will bring expert and objective insight into the SAB and wider pancreatic cancer research community. We know she is looking forward to working with the SAB, Research Team and charity and we are sure that together, we will drive the progression in detection, treatment and care so desperately needed through our support of cutting-edge and innovative research.
“I am absolutely delighted to be able to accept the position of Chair of Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Scientific Advisory Board. As a scientist who has worked in cancer research for more than 30 years, I am aware of the challenges that pancreatic cancer presents and that it is a key area of unmet need. I am really excited to be working with the highly motivated individuals at Pancreatic Cancer UK taking this challenge on. I am particularly keen to interact with the patients and loved ones affected by pancreatic cancer; to hear and learn from their perspectives, as they are at the heart of what we do...
...I have spent 25 years in cancer drug discovery and so really understand pancreatic cancer and how to attack it in this context, from basic research all the way to clinical trials. Although my experience is in drug discovery, I believe that a holistic approach must be taken in the battle against pancreatic cancer. We need to not only focus research on developing new and effective treatments but also finding ways to diagnose people earlier and improve quality of life for patients. Ultimately, I hope that in my time as Chair I can apply my scientific knowledge to the charity context to help Pancreatic Cancer UK in their mission to drive change and give those affected with pancreatic cancer a more positive outcome.”