Baroness Delyth Morgan appointed as Chair of the National Cancer Research Institute

Baroness Delyth Morgan has been appointed as Chair of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI).

“It’s an honour to take on this important position. I’m passionate about partnership working – we can achieve so much more working together than we can apart.” – Baroness Delyth Morgan

She will take up the role with immediate effect this week, taking over from Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK.

The NCRI is a UK-wide partnership between cancer research funders, which promotes collaboration in the field. Its member organisations work together to maximise the value and benefits of cancer research for patients and the public.

Delyth is the chief executive of Breast Cancer Now and sits as a cross bench peer in the House of Lords.

She previously held the CEO role at both Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, before which she worked at Shelter, Workplace Nurseries Campaign and Asthma UK.

Harpal Kumar said: “It’s been enormously rewarding to be NCRI Chair and to see it continue as the linchpin of collaborative cancer research in the UK. Cancer is a complex disease and it’s fantastic that we’ve such a vibrant and diverse community working to beat it. But coordination and collaboration are key. And that’s where the NCRI comes in, to enable collaborative initiatives that address specific areas of need and build on opportunity. It’s also well known for its annual Conference in Liverpool which brings the research community together to make connections and share progress.”

“I’m delighted that Delyth will take over as Chair. Her vision and experience will be invaluable in continuing and developing the work of the NCRI.”

Baroness Delyth Morgan said: “It’s an honour to take on this important position. I’m passionate about partnership working – we can achieve so much more working together than we can apart.

“I’ll continue to build the crucial collaborative relationships that make the NCRI so special – among charities, governments, industry, patients and the wider research community. By combining our skills and knowledge we can bring the benefits of research to patients and the public faster, furthering our understanding of the causes of cancer, finding new cures, kinder and more effective treatments and developing better strategies for prevention, early diagnosis and care.”

ENDS

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