Professor Nazneen Rahman, a world-leading scientist from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has been awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to medical sciences.
The honours list recognises individuals for outstanding achievements in their field and for improving the lives of people in Britain.
Professor Rahman is Head of the Division of Genetics and Epidemiology at the ICR and Head of the Cancer Genetics Clinical Unit at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. She qualified in medicine from the University of Oxford in 1991, completed a PhD in Molecular Genetics in 1999 and has been leading a research team in cancer predisposition at the ICR since 2002.
Her research aims to identify underlying genetic causes of cancer and to use this knowledge to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention. She has particularly focused on cancers affecting women and children, identifying many cancer predisposition genes over the years. She currently leads the pioneering Mainstreaming Cancer Genetics programme, which is successfully increasing access to genetic testing for cancer patients through mainstream health services.
Professor Rahman said: “I am humbled and delighted. It is a great personal honour to have my work recognised in this way, but more importantly it highlights the dedication of my team and many colleagues to make scientific discoveries and deliver real health benefits.”
Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of the ICR, said: “This is a truly well-deserved award. Professor Rahman is not only an exceptional scientist, but also a powerful advocate on behalf of patients and their families. She has worked tirelessly to ensure advances in our knowledge of cancer genetics improve the lives of people who are living with cancer or are at risk of the disease.”
Professor Rahman has previously been recognised in the London Evening Standard’s ‘Power1000’ list of influential people and the Woman’s Hour Power List of the top 10 game changers of 2014.