David Kerr is an internationally recognized leader in colorectal cancer research, clinical trials, and cancer systems innovation. He is Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University of Oxford and has played a central role in shaping modern gastrointestinal oncology. Professor Kerr co-founded the biotechnology companies Celleron and Oxford Cancer Biomarkers. His work has been recognized with several major international research awards, including the NHS Nye Bevan Award for Innovation. He was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2000 and served as President of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) from 2009 to 2011.
He has helped establish major Institutes of Cancer Medicine in Birmingham and Oxford, contributing to a £100 million UK government investment in national cancer research networks. He chaired the Cancer Services Collaborative, leading large-scale redesign of NHS cancer services, and authored the influential Kerr Report, a long-term reform strategy for Scotland’s NHS, for which he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He has founded INDOX, India’s first national cancer trials network, and has been a leading advocate for cancer planning in Africa, establishing AfrOx to support national cancer strategies across low-resource settings.
The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025 recognizes the changemakers in cancer care who have helped shape current practice in oncology and continue to drive innovation and research towards better outcomes, advocacy, philanthropy, leadership and education. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential People in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for the results of special category nominations to be announced.
