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We are proud to share news of a major step forward in brain cancer care and research for Scotland. The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) and the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) have announced a groundbreaking partnership to launch Scotland’s first dedicated Neuro-oncology Fellowships - a milestone initiative that promises to transform brain tumour treatment and research across the country.
A New Era for Brain Tumour Care in Scotland
This collaborative effort, supported by Beatson Cancer Charity and NHS Lothian Charity, will see the creation of two fellowships aimed at cultivating the next generation of neuro-oncology leaders in Scotland. These prestigious positions are part of the wider Tessa Jowell Fellowship Programme, which is committed to driving forward innovation and excellence in brain tumour treatment.
The first Scottish Neuro-oncology Fellowship will be jointly hosted by the Edinburgh Centre for Neuro-oncology and the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow. This unique collaboration brings together the clinical and research strengths of both centres, enhancing the experience and training of the selected Fellow while maximising the impact for patients across Scotland.
The Fellowship has been awarded to Dr Sarah Kingdon, a talented clinical oncology trainee currently based at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Dr Kingdon will begin her 12-month programme later this year, working closely with teams in Edinburgh and Glasgow to develop a comprehensive understanding of brain tumour management and participate in cutting-edge research projects.
Expanding Access to Specialist Neurology Care
In addition to this inaugural neuro-oncology Fellowship, the CSO has also committed to funding a second fellowship in brain tumour neurology, to be delivered in Glasgow in 2025. This initiative, co-funded with Beatson Cancer Charity, aims to improve access to specialised neurological care for brain tumour patients and reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving outcomes through innovation and research.
Why These Fellowships Matter
Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related death among children and adults under 40 in the UK. Despite this, treatment breakthroughs have remained limited. These Fellowships aim to change that by supporting clinician-scientists who are dedicated to transforming brain tumour care through both clinical practice and high-impact research.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Chief Scientist Office to launch this inaugural fellowship,” said Dr Nicky Huskens, CEO of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission. “This collaboration will foster the development of neuro-oncology specialists in Scotland and ensure that all patients with a brain tumour, wherever they live in the UK, have access to the best possible care and treatment.”
Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health), Scottish Government, added: “It is through research and innovation that effective new treatments for brain tumours will be developed. This joint fellowship will help build our future research capacity in neuro-oncology and reflects our ongoing efforts to partner with the third sector to improve quality of life for patients.”
A Shared Vision for Progress
Leaders from both Edinburgh and Glasgow have expressed their enthusiasm for the new Fellowship and its potential to drive collaboration and discovery.
“We are extremely excited to welcome our first Tessa Jowell Clinical Fellow to Glasgow,” said Professor Anthony Chalmers at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. “We’ve already had stimulating discussions with Sarah about her ideas for innovative research projects, and we’re committed to making this a rewarding and impactful year for her.”
Dr Faye Robertson at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre shared: “Dr Sarah Kingdon will be the first Tessa Jowell Clinical Fellow in Scotland, and we’re confident she will make the most of the opportunities this joint Fellowship offers. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Glasgow and supporting Sarah’s journey.”
Learn More
To find out more about the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission and the Fellowship programme, visit:
🔗 Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission – Fellowship Programme
About the Partners
Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM)
Dedicated to transforming brain tumour care in the UK, TJBCM brings together government, NHS, academia, charities, and patient groups to accelerate research, develop precision medicine, and train the future neuro-oncology workforce.
Chief Scientist Office (CSO)
A division of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates, CSO funds and promotes high-quality health research across Scotland, fostering innovation and improving patient outcomes.
Beatson Cancer Charity
Beatson Cancer Charity supports people affected by cancer, funding world-class research, clinical excellence, and patient-centred services at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and beyond.
Let us celebrate this incredible partnership and the promise it holds for brain tumour patients in Scotland and across the UK. Together, we are making strides towards a better future.
