Professor Christian Ottensmeier has been re-appointed as Director of Clinical Research at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust after a competitive process.
Prof Ottensmeier, a Consultant in Medical Oncology at Clatterbridge and Chair of Immuno-Oncology at the University of Liverpool, will continue his work leading pioneering research and overseeing clinical trials at the Trust after beginning his initial three-year appointment in January 2022.
Internationally recognised as an expert in human immune responses to cancer, Prof Ottensmeier is a leading researcher into cancer vaccines, widely seen as a hugely exciting avenue in experimental cancer therapy. His current research activity includes a portfolio of trials of novel immunotherapies and personalised therapeutic vaccines for head and neck cancers.
Dr Sheena Khanduri, Medical Director of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that Professor Ottensmeier will continue to lead our research teams at Clatterbridge in their tremendously important work of studying new ways to treat and care for our patients.
“During his time as Director of Clinical Research, the reputation of Clatterbridge as a world-class cancer research centre has grown, as has the quantity, quality and complexity of the clinical trials we conduct.
“During his tenure, we have also formed important collaborations and partnerships with other research institutions, in the NHS and beyond, which will help us grow our study portfolio and attract the brightest and best researchers to our Trust.
“Professor Ottensmeier’s own research into cancer vaccines has helped Clatterbridge become one of the leading hubs for this type of experimental immunotherapy, which is bringing the hope of new treatments to cancer patients globally.”
Prof Ottensmeier, who is also Visiting Professor of Experimental Medicine at the University of Southampton and holds an Adjunct Professorship at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology in the USA, said he was honoured to continue to lead the clinical research team at Clatterbridge for another three-year term.
He said: “I am delighted to continue in my role of Director of Clinical Research. We have some amazing researchers who are working in some extremely exciting areas of cancer treatment and care.
“The wider hospital staff and executive team offer huge support to our activities and I am looking forward to continuing to help push forward the boundaries of cancer research in Liverpool.”
