Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“As I prepare to join global colleagues at the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit next week, I’ve been reflecting on what we’ve learned through partnerships – and what’s possible when we work together.
From Cancer Grand Challenges to UK–EU scientific collaboration, we’ve seen how shared ambition and diverse expertise can drive real impact.
I’ve shared a few reflections below. And if you’re attending the Summit, do get in touch!
Collaboration as a catalyst: Lessons from global partnerships
As I prepare to join colleagues from around the world at the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit later this month, I’ve been reflecting on what we’ve achieved so far – and on what’s possible when we work together.
At Cancer Research UK (CRUK), we know that no single organisation, sector or country can beat cancer alone. The challenges we face – from early diagnosis to improved access and sustainable innovation – are complex, interconnected and global. Progress demands shared ambition, aligned priorities and sustained partnerships.
We’ve seen this in action:
- Through Cancer Grand Challenges, our partnership with the US National Cancer Institute, we’ve backed bold multidisciplinary teams tackling the toughest questions in cancer – from early detection to cancer inequities.
- Our advocacy for UK-EU scientific collaboration has helped protect the flow of talent, data and funding that underpins world-class cancer research.
- And through partnerships with the NHS and industry, we’re accelerating the adoption of innovation – ensuring that breakthroughs in the lab reach patients faster.
These collaborations go beyond pooling resources. They align around shared goals and unique capabilities, embrace diverse perspectives, and build trust across borders. They allow us to take bold risks, challenge assumptions, and drive progress for people affected by cancer.
From our experience, the most transformative partnerships:
- Align around bold ambitions to solve a problem
- Bring together diverse expertise to solve shared problems
- Focus on impact and outcomes, which everyone benefits from
- Support system-level change, not just individual interventions
To achieve this, we must invest in the infrastructure that enables collaboration – shared data, aligned incentives and long-term commitment. At Cancer Research UK, we don’t just participate in partnerships – we help shape them to be bold, impact-driven and inclusive. The Summit is an opportunity to listen, learn and strengthen the connections that help us move further, faster – together. If you’re attending, do get in touch!”
More posts featuring Michelle Mitchell on OncoDaily.