Charity’s new research director was motivated by the death of cousin

A CANCER specialist who was motivated by the death of his cousin to pursue a career in the field of research has been appointed in a major role in Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Dr Stuart Griffiths, inset, has been named as the Harrogate-based charity’s new director of research and services, replacing Dr Kathryn Scott, who became its chief executive in June 2017.

He joins the charity from previous roles as assistant director of research and strategy at Breast Cancer Now and head of strategy and initiatives at the National Cancer Research Institute.

In his new role, Dr Griffiths will drive forward the charity’s strategy to reduce the impact of cancer in Yorkshire.

During the last five years the charity has undergone a shift in focus from a traditional grant-giving research charity into an patientfocused organisation, dedicated to improving the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of cancer in Yorkshire.

Dr Scott said: “Stuart brings a breadth of skills and experience to the charity which will be vital in helping us continue to make progress in our goal to save more lives in Yorkshire. “Our new strategy is already having an impact on cancer outcomes in Yorkshire. We now support an extensive portfolio of research projects in areas such as early diagnosis, clinical trials, palliative care, rehabilitation and reducing the recurrence of cancer.”