This prestigious role recognises his extensive experience and contribution to cancer research and his strong commitment to patient-centred care and addressing cancer inequalities.

As a member of the IAB, Professor Lawler will play a vital role in reviewing key research, offering guidance on editorial policies, and advocating for the journal internationally. He will also help ensure that the journal publishes cutting-edge studies that influence global cancer policies and improve health outcomes worldwide.

Professor Lawler is Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Digital Health Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast. He brings extensive experience in digital health and the use of health data, as Scientific Director of DATA-CAN, the UK’s Health Data Research Hub for Cancer, and Chair of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership.

He chaired The Lancet Oncology European Groundshot Commission, the most comprehensive analysis of cancer research in Europe, which is informing cancer research and policy in Europe. He also became Co-Chair of European Cancer Organisation’s new Focussed Topic Network on Emergencies and Crises and co-authored a Manifesto on improving cancer care in conflict-impacted populations in The Lancet.

He was architect of the European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights, which received the prestigious 2018 European Health Award. His pioneering work on COVID-19 and cancer received the Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Award and the prestigious European Communique Award.

He was one of the leaders involved in developing and launching a radical new data-informed UK plan for cancer research and cancer care in the House of Commons, UK and has recently published a number of influential papers in The Lancet Oncology, which have led to the Minister of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, launching the process for developing a National Cancer Plan on World Cancer Day 2025.

Commenting on this announcement, Professor Lawler said: “I am delighted to become a member of the International Advisory Board for The Lancet Oncology. The Lancet Oncology is the best and most influential cancer journal in the world, and it is a privilege for me to be able to help in guiding its direction of travel and in enhancing its global impact going forward.”

Professor David Collingridge, Editor in Chief, The Lancet Oncology said: “It’s a pleasure to invite Professor Lawler to join our International Advisory Board given his renowned expertise and reputation. His appointment allows us to build on the many global projects on cancer policy that he has played a central part on at the journal over recent years."

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Media inquiries to Sian Devlin at s.devlin@qub.ac.uk