Supporting New Brain Tumour Research Fellowship

The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) and the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) have joined forces to launch Scotland’s first dedicated neuro-oncology Fellowships. This prestigious partnership aims to cultivate the next generation of leading neuro-oncology specialists in Scotland.

The inaugural Scottish Neuro-oncology Fellowship will be a collaborative position hosted by the Edinburgh Centre for Neuro-oncology and the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow. This builds upon the existing strong collaborative ties between these two leading centres, including their involvement in the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and the recently announced Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence.

The first Fellowship has been awarded to Dr Sarah Kingdon, a clinical oncology trainee currently based in University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. NHS Lothian Charity, along with the Beatson Cancer Charity, is co-funding the Fellowship, demonstrating the Charity’s commitment to supporting vital research that will directly benefit patients in across Lothian and beyond.

Jane Ferguson, Director of NHS Lothian Charity, commented:

We’re proud to support Dr. Sarah Kingdon as Scotland’s inaugural Tessa Jowell Fellow. This prestigious fellowship is a major step forward in neuro-oncology research in Scotland and reflects our commitment to working together and investing in programmes that advance treatments and improve outcomes for patients.”

This exciting partnership also includes a second fellowship in brain tumour neurology, to be based in Glasgow and funded by CSO and Beatson Cancer Charity. This further strengthens Scotland’s capacity to provide specialised neurological care for brain tumour patients.

Why are these Fellowships so important?

Brain tumours remain the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, and progress in treatment has been challenging. These 12-month funded Fellowships will provide invaluable experience in comprehensive brain tumour management and equip talented individuals like Dr Kingdon with the necessary research skills to lead impactful clinical trials in the future.

NHS Lothian Charity is proud to be part of this collaborative effort, supporting the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission and the Chief Scientist Office to drive innovation and improve the lives of individuals affected by brain tumours.

To learn more about the vital work of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission and their Fellowship programme, please visit: https://www.tessajowellbraincancermission.org/strategic-programmes/tessa-jowell-fellows/