Richard Sullivan is Professor of Cancer and Global Health at King’s College London, Director of the Institute of Cancer Policy (ICP), and Co-Director of the Conflict and Health Research Group. His work focuses on global cancer policy, non-communicable disease (NCD) systems, and the impact of conflict on health, with particular emphasis on health-system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
He is an advisor to the World Health Organization, a civil–military health advisor to Save the Children, and a member of the National Cancer Grid of India, and holds several international visiting professorships. Professor Sullivan has led or co-led multiple Lancet Oncology Commissions, including current commissions on Cancer Care in Conflict and The Future of Cancer Research in Europe.
His research spans political economy and cancer control planning, innovative technologies for low-resource settings (including automated radiotherapy planning and AR/VR-enabled cancer surgery), and large-scale conflict health programmes across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and South Asia. He previously served as Clinical Director of Cancer Research UK (1999–2008) and has held roles at the London School of Economics studying complex health systems.
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.
