Animal Free Research UK appoints Professor Geoff Pilkington as Chair
Published on January 20, 2023
Professor Geoff Pilkington
Professor Geoff Pilkington has been appointed the next Chair of Animal Free Research UK. He will succeed Laura-Jane Sheridan who steps down in Spring 2023.
Professor Pilkington, a Trustee and former member of the charity’s Scientific Advisory Panel, brings a wealth of experience and expertise with a decorated scientific career spanning 50 years in brain tumour research.
Since 2018, Pilkington has been Emeritus Professor of Neuro-oncology, having previously been Professor of Experimental Neuro-oncology at Kings College London. He was subsequently Professor of Cellular and Molecular Neuro-oncology at the University of Portsmouth, where he led the Brain Tumour Research Centre. His group developed animal-free models to study brain tumours, and researched drug re-purposing, delivery and efficacy. His expertise has seen him give scientific evidence to All Party Parliamentary Groups and international expert advisory panels.
As well as authoring hundreds of papers, supervising master’s and doctoral students, and holding fellowships at, amongst others, the Royal College of Pathologists, the Royal Society of Biology and the Royal Society of Medicine, he also served as President of the British Neuro-oncology Society and Treasurer of the European Association for Neuro-oncology. He is a Trustee of the Childhood Cancer Charity and helped to set up many brain tumour charities.
Professor Geoff Pilkington said: “It is an honour to take on the role of Chair at Animal Free Research UK. As a scientist, I know that animals are poor representations of humans and am a strong advocate for using human models to study human diseases. New animal-free approaches are proving time and again that animal research is outdated and not translatable to human disease. It is now more urgent than ever that we recognise their potential to ensure a brighter future for patients and animals.”
Carla Owen, CEO of Animal Free Research UK said: “I’m looking forward to working with Geoff to drive forward the change needed to realise a world where human diseases are cured faster without animal suffering. Geoff’s impressive medical research background and clear vision for the uptake of human-relevant science will be instrumental in helping achieve our goal.
I know I speak on behalf of all at Animal Free Research UK when I extend a heartfelt thank you to Laura-Jane Sheridan for the dedication with which she has served during her tenure.”
Laura-Jane Sheridan, outgoing Chair, said: “I am incredibly proud to have served as Trustee and Chair at Animal Free Research UK. I know Geoff will be a fantastic Chair to guide the charity through implementation of its next strategy and wish him and all at Animal Free Research UK the best of luck in this important work.”
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