Neoptolemos John

Professor Neoptolemos John is a world-leading pancreatic cancer specialist and Professor of Surgery at the University of Heidelberg since 2017. Previously, he held the Chair of Surgery at the University of Liverpool from 1996, serving as Head of Department and leading major research initiatives. His expertise spans clinical and translational research in pancreatic cancer, acute/chronic pancreatitis genetics, and surgical innovation.

• Current Position: Professor of Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg
• Past Positions: Director of Cancer Research UK Liverpool Centre (2009), Scientific Director NIHR Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit (2007), and multiple leadership roles in clinical trials and cancer centers.

His research focuses on optimizing pancreatic cancer treatment through adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapies, biomarker discovery (e.g., hENT1), and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He pioneered the ESPAC trials, which established global treatment guidelines for resectable pancreatic cancer.

Awards include the Henry Lynch Award (2018), Lifetime Achievement Award from the European Pancreatic Club (2013), and honorary professorships at Nanjing Medical University. He has secured £55M in grants and authored over 289 invited lectures.

• Grants: NIH Senior Investigator, Department of Health Platinum Award (2004)
• Leadership: Clinical Lead for Pancreas Cancer Guidelines, Medical Advisory Board member for Pancreas Cancer UK

He collaborates internationally, including roles at Nanjing Medical School and University as a Specially Appointed Professor.