We established the Future Leaders grant programme to support and encourage the next generation of neuro-oncology researchers. The programme funds outstanding early-career academic and clinical researchers and gives them the backing they need to establish themselves as leading experts in the field.
The event took place at the Wellcome Collection, London, in June.
Bringing the Future Leaders together – A milestone for our research community
Since the Future Leaders programme was launched in 2017, our ambition has been clear – this is more than just another funding scheme. Our goal is to identify and empower the brightest minds in neuro-oncology research, give them the long-term support they need to grow their careers, and build a thriving, collaborative community of emerging experts.
Today, the Future Leaders include three international cohorts, with researchers based across the UK, Europe, and the US. Despite the distance between them, they are united by their innovation, drive, and shared commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by brain tumours.
This event marked a major milestone for the programme as we brought together our Future Leaders in person for the very first time.
Scientific Meeting
The two-day event began with a Scientific Meeting, where each Future Leader presented their research and shared their progress. Several senior researchers – current leaders in the field – joined as guest speakers. Their involvement was a major highlight, giving the Future Leaders a rare chance to exchange ideas, receive feedback from experienced voices, and build connections beyond their own institutions.
The day concluded with a career development panel, chaired by Junior Fellows Dr Spencer Watson and Dr Tyler Miller, titled “Shaping Your Tomorrow”. During the session, some of our invited senior researchers – Professor Richard Gilbertson, Professor Johanna Joyce, Dr Esther Hulleman and Professor Simona Parrinello – shared honest, invaluable advice on navigating academic pathways, balancing priorities, and building a sustainable research career.
Connecting with the brain tumour community
An evening reception brought Future Leaders together with donors and Trustees – a chance to celebrate progress and create connections between the people driving change and those helping to fund it.
On day two, The Brain Tumour Charity’s Involvement team led an Involvement Spotlight workshop. Future Leaders worked directly with people who have lived experience of brain tumours, deepening their understanding and reinforcing the urgency and impact of their research.
It was our hope that this program would turn into an active network of brain cancer researchers. And now with the tireless efforts of the Charity team, it’s turned into a real community. It was so great to share our work with the amazing donors and supporters of the Charity, and to hear from those directly affected by brain cancers. Their stories and their bravery are inspiring and incredibly motivating.
Dr Spencer Watson, Junior Fellow – first funded by the Future Leaders programme in 2020
Looking to the future
One of the most valuable aspects of the two day event was seeing Future Leaders connect with and support each other. Building these relationships early in their careers can have a lasting impact – not just on their individual trajectories, but on the wider field. We’re looking forward to seeing how these connections develop, how each researcher’s work progresses, and – with our goal of reaching 30 Future Leaders by 2030 – how the programme continues to expand and strengthen in the years to come.
With three cohorts of Future Leaders now supported through the programme, this event felt like a turning point – a sign of how far we’ve come and what’s still possible. We’re incredibly proud of what this initiative has achieved so far, and of the brilliant researchers it’s helping to shape.
Dr Simon Newman, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity
You can read more about our current Future Leaders’ research projects and find more information about the Future Leaders grant programme here.