Christopher Jackson, Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Otago and National Clinical Lead for Cancer Services in New Zealand, has been named a candidate for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
Professor Jackson currently serves on the UICC Board of Directors and has contributed through several key committees, including the Knowledge, Advocacy and Policy Committee, the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, the Congress Committee, and the Scientific Committee for the 2026 World Cancer Congress.
He is among 24 candidates running for 14 seats on the UICC Board. The new Board will be elected by UICC full-member organisations as part of the 2026 UICC General Assembly, which will take place virtually on October 20, 2026.
Electronic voting will open on October 13, 2026, and close during the General Assembly on October 20.
Christopher Jackson’s Work in Cancer Care and Policy
Based in Dunedin, New Zealand, Professor Jackson is a medical oncologist, researcher, and health system leader whose work has focused on translating evidence into policy and improving equitable access to high-quality cancer care.
Throughout his career, he has worked across clinical care, research, advocacy, and health system leadership, collaborating with governments, cancer organisations, healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient advocates to improve cancer outcomes.
Previously, Professor Jackson served as Medical Director of the Cancer Society of New Zealand, where he contributed to advocacy efforts that supported the establishment of New Zealand’s national cancer control agency.
His work has also focused on cancer service redesign, quality improvement, workforce development, and strengthening national cancer strategies.
Internationally, he is involved in initiatives including ASCO, Common Sense Oncology, the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, and London Global Cancer Week, promoting collaboration and shared learning across cancer systems.
Christopher Jackson Recognized Among The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025
Why Christopher Jackson Is Running for the UICC Board
In his candidate statement, Professor Jackson highlighted his experience serving on the UICC Board over the past two years and his desire to continue contributing to the organisation’s mission.
He said his Board experience has provided a deeper understanding of UICC’s priorities, governance responsibilities, and the importance of collaboration among its global members.
“Serving on the UICC Board has been very rewarding, and I believe I have contributed strongly. I am seeking re-election because I believe I can continue to make a meaningful contribution to UICC and its members.”
Professor Jackson said his professional career has focused on translating evidence and advocacy into real-world improvements in cancer care.
He highlighted priorities including strengthening advocacy, health systems, workforce development, and equitable access to cancer services.
“I would like to support UICC’s ongoing work in advocacy, health systems strengthening, workforce development, and equitable access to care.”
Bringing Evidence, Policy, and Implementation Together
Professor Jackson described his experience as combining clinical oncology, academic research, health system leadership, advocacy, and governance.
He has advised governments on cancer strategies, led quality improvement initiatives, and worked with international cancer organisations to support evidence-based approaches to cancer control.
“I have worked at the intersection of science, policy, and implementation, helping translate evidence into real-world improvements in cancer care.”
Through his international collaborations, Professor Jackson brings perspectives from different cancer systems and healthcare settings, with a focus on turning knowledge into practical action.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration as a foundation for progress in global cancer control.
A New Zealand Perspective in Global Cancer Leadership
Professor Jackson is the first New Zealander elected to the UICC Board of Directors, bringing experience from a healthcare system that has emphasised partnership, pragmatism, and collaboration.
He said his perspective from a smaller country can contribute to UICC’s global mission by highlighting the value of cooperation across borders.
“As the only New Zealander ever elected to the UICC Board, I bring a perspective from a small country that has learnt the value of partnership, pragmatism, and global collaboration.”
If re-elected, Professor Jackson said he would continue supporting UICC’s work by contributing institutional knowledge, governance experience, and a commitment to strengthening cancer control worldwide.
Watch Christopher Jackson’s video message outlining his experience, priorities, and vision as a candidate for the UICC Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
UICC Board Elections 2026
The 2026 UICC Board election will determine 14 members of the Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
UICC full-member organisations will vote during the virtual General Assembly on October 20, 2026, following the opening of electronic voting on October 13.
The newly elected Board will help guide UICC’s efforts to advance cancer prevention, strengthen health systems, improve access to care, and support collaboration across the global cancer community.
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