Network:

Wessex Cancer R&I Network

By building connections across organisations and disciplines, we seek to create the foundations for lasting change in how cancer research is conducted and translated into better care.

Background

The Wessex Cancer Research and Innovation Network was created by a group of committed individuals who came together with a shared purpose: to explore how best to expand access to and improve the delivery of cancer research and innovation across the Wessex region.

There was growing recognition that while many valuable efforts were underway, a more coordinated and inclusive approach was needed to truly unlock progress. By building connections across organisations and disciplines, the network seeks to create the foundations for lasting change in how cancer research is conducted and translated into better care. 

Vision

Going forward, the network aims to transform the landscape of cancer research and innovation throughout Wessex. Its goals include increasing the number of clinical research trials, improving access and participation, capitalising on regional expertise to strengthen local capabilities, and advocating for more clinical staff to support trial delivery and pilot innovations. 

At the heart of its work is a commitment to promoting a culture of adoption; supporting healthcare teams in integrating proven innovations into cancer care pathways to drive better outcomes for patients. Through collaboration and shared purpose, the network is laying the groundwork for a more dynamic, responsive and effective research environment. 

Aims

The overall aim of the Wessex Cancer Research and Innovation Network is to drive transformation in cancer research and innovation across Wessex by:  

  • developing strategies to increase the number of cancer research trials in Wessex and improve access and recruitment 
  • enhancing cancer research and innovation capacity and capability across the Wessex region
  • championing the need for increased capacity of clinical staff to support an increase in the number of research trials and innovation pilots delivered across Wessex
  • collaboratively promoting a culture of research and innovation adoption in cancer health and care services
  • bringing regional expertise to support teams to adopt innovations in cancer pathways which have demonstrated an improvement to patient outcomes. 

Upcoming events 

To be confirmed. 

News stories 

Please click here for the most recent news story relating to this network. 

Network Co-Leads

Sarah Doyle

Joint Head of Research

Dorset County Hospital & Dorset Healthcare


Wessex Cancer R&I steering group members

Anne Croudass

Lead Research Nurse

Cancer Research UK

Christine McGrath

Managing Director

Wessex Health Partners

Dr Andrew Scott

Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology

University of Portsmouth

Dr Emma King

Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon and Professor of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

University Hospitals Dorset and University of Southampton

Dr Roja Hadianamrei

Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Portsmouth

Laura Purandare

Deputy Director Research & Innovation

University Hospital Southampton

Lindsey Kilgore

Radiotherapy, Paediatric Oncology & TYA Research Lead

University Hospital Southampton

Nicola Bent

Chief Executive Officer

Health Innovation Wessex

Prof Tim Fenton

Professor of Cancer Biology

University of Southampton

Prof Giuseppe Luigi Banna

Consultant Medical Oncologist and Honorary Associate Professor

Portsmouth Hospitals University University NHS Trust and University of Portsmouth

Dr Noel Ryman

Haematology Consultant

Hampshire Hospitals NHS FT

Prof Mark Beresford

Cancer Speciality Lead

South West Central RRDN

Prof Simon Crabb

Cancer Speciality Lead

South Central RRDN

Kelly Spencer

Strategic Development Director

South West Central RRDN

Nancy Hopewell

Head of Strategy, Research Engagement & Inclusion

South Central RRDN

Anna Wykes

Programme Manager

Health Innovation Wessex and Wessex Cancer Alliance

Dr Zaed Hamady

Consultant Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Robotic Surgeon and Hon Assoc Prof Lecturer

University Hospital Southampton & University of Southampton

Victoria Goss

Assoc Prof Early Diagnosis & Translational Research and Head of Early Diagnosis & Transational Group

University of Southampton



For more information contact...

Nina Barratt

Programme Coordinator

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