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Image: Axel Behrens, Scientific Director of the Convergence Science Centre.
Professor Axel Behrens, Scientific Director of the Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre and leader of the Cancer Stem Cell Group at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship by the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Each year, the Academy Fellowship recognises scientists who have made outstanding contributions to medicine and society through their research in a range of scientific fields. Professor Behrens joins 58 other biomedical and health researchers across the UK who have been elected as Fellows based on their demonstration of scientific excellence and ability to advance understanding and improve public health around the world.
Professor Behrens is a well-known international expert in cancer stem cell biology. Standout publications from his group have shed new light on mechanisms of tumour progression in pancreatic cancer, and they have discovered a rare population of progenitor cells that can originate luminal breast cancers.
Empowering convergence science at the ICR
Professor Behrens joined The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in 2020 as the inaugural Scientific Director of the Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre, a major strategic partnership between the ICR and Imperial College London. The centre brings together scientists from different disciplines to tackle research questions in new ways – by forging partnerships between biologists and scientists in other fields, including engineering, physics, and mathematical modelling.
After completing his PhD in Austria, Professor Behrens carried out his postdoctoral studies in Switzerland, before setting up a laboratory at the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute (now part of The Francis Crick Institute) in 2001.
His achievements have been recognised by membership of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) and the Academia Europaea, and by honorary professorships from King’s College London (UK) and Sun-Yat-Sen University (China).
Recognising multidisciplinary working in cancer research
Professor Axel Behrens, Scientific Director of the CRUK Convergence Science Centre and Professor of Stem Cell Biology within the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the ICR, said:
"I am delighted to be elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. This honour recognises the importance stem cell biology and of multidisciplinary working in cancer research which is critical to tackling unresolved problems in cancer biology and bringing innovative treatments to patients more quickly.”
Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of the ICR, said:
“This prestigious award recognises scientists who have made outstanding contributions to medicine and society through their research. We are extremely proud to see Professor Axel Behrens receive it. We are delighted that The Institute of Cancer Research is continuing its involvement with the Academy of Medical Sciences and working together to further our understanding of the complex health issues we are facing globally.”
Professor Deborah Ashby, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London, said:
“I’m so very pleased to see how many of Imperial’s health and science researchers have been recognised by the Academy for their tireless work and we’re proud to see all of them achieve this significant milestone in their careers. Each one of these new Fellows carries out important research - often with global resonance and impact.”
Professor Behrens will be formally admitted to the Academy as a Fellow on 18 September 2024.