Richard White

Professor of Genetics, University of Oxford and Ludwig Cancer Research

“I am a physician-scientist trained in cancer genetics. We are interested in cancer cell plasticity, which allows cancer cells to take on new phenotypes above and beyond that encoded by DNA. This plasticity underlies tumor initiation and metastasis. To study this, we have pioneered the use of zebrafish as a new model in cancer. The advantage of the fish is that it is transparent, allowing us to image the very first cell of cancer. Using this model, we have made important discoveries about why and where tumors appear on the body. We discovered that DNA mutations alone are not predictive of this. Instead, it is the epigenetic mechanisms of plasticity that determine whether a cell becomes a tumor or not. Such knowledge opens up new opportunities in cancer prevention and treatment. In addition to my research, I have been deeply involved in academic leadership, teaching and communication throughout my career.”