Dr Edd James, Associate Professor in Cancer Immunology, has received a national award from Cancer Research UK in recognition of his outstanding work to raise awareness about research.
The Inspiring Leader in Research Engagement Prize honours an individual or teams from Cancer Research UK Centres who have demonstrated significant commitment to public engagement.
Dr James won the award after showing unfailing support, time and energy to get members of the public involved in science and research.
He is investigating how immune cells can be trained to recognise and attack cancer and how an enzyme found inside cells may protect against certain types of cancer.
Among other things, Dr James led the way by building smart phone microscopes in his garage in his spare time to allow his science to reach and open up conversations with a far wider audience. Similar smart phone microscopes are now to be used nationwide.
Dr James said:
“It is a great honour to receive this award. I am fortunate to be part of a motivated team that is dedicated to engaging the public about the pioneering cancer research we do here at Southampton.”