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2003 Sontag Award Recipient

"I will be forever grateful to the Sontag Foundation for the award that first gave my lab wings and led to its initial discoveries."

About DSA-Funded Research

Dr. Gilbertson's research is focused on understanding the link between normal development and the origins of cancer, particularly brain tumors. His lab was the first to describe a cancer stem cell niche; demonstrate that a solid cancer can arise from tissue specific stem cells; use innovative cross-species genomics to trace the developmental origins of pediatric brain tumors; and to use whole genome sequencing to identify novel subgroup-specific mutations in medulloblastoma and ependymoma. His research has been translated into numerous diagnostic tests and innovative clinical trials for children with cancer.

Current Appointment(s)
  • Director, Cambridge Cancer Centre, University of Cambridge
  • Li Ka-Shing Chair of Oncology, Cambridge Cancer Centre
  • Head, Department of Oncology, Cambridge Cancer Centre
  • Senior Group Leader, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Cambridge Institute
Education
  • University of Newcastle upon Tyne, B. M.S., Pediatric Brain Tumors
  • University of Newcastle upon Tyne, M.B.B.S., Medicine
  • University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Ph.D.,  Pediatric Neuro-Oncology
  • Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, House Officer, Medicine and Surgery
  • Royal Victoria Infirmary and General Hospital, Newcastle, Senior House Officer, Pediatrics
  • Medical School Cancer Research, Clinical Training Fellow, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology