David Adams

Dr. David Adams is a Senior Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute where he leads the Experimental Cancer Genetics Laboratory within the Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Programme. He also serves as Co-lead of Cell & Molecular Biology at the Cambridge Cancer Centre. As a Fellow of both the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal College of Pathologists, Dr. Adams has established himself as a leading researcher in cancer genetics and genomics.

Dr. Adams' research focuses on understanding how genetic alterations contribute to cancer development through high-throughput functional genetic screens in human cells and mice. His laboratory investigates several key areas including the Atlas of Variant Effects using saturation genome editing, the Genomic Atlas of Dermatopathology, combinatorial CRISPR screening for synthetic lethal targets, and host regulation of tumor growth. His work combines cutting-edge genomic technologies with computational biology to uncover fundamental insights into cancer biology.

Analysis of Dr. Adams' recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on cancer genomics, melanoma research, and functional validation of genetic variants. His work spans multiple cancer types with particular focus on skin cancers, while also exploring broader applications in ocular diseases, immunology, and therapeutic development. The research demonstrates increasing integration of multi-omics approaches, cross-species comparisons, and translational applications of basic genomic discoveries.

Among Dr. Adams' notable scientific achievements are his Fellowship in the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Goudie Medal from the Pathological Society, and an ERC Synergy Grant. He is also a founding member of the Atlas of Variant Effects Alliance and co-chairs Genomel (The Genetics of Melanoma Consortium).

Dr. Adams has graduated more than a dozen PhD students and mentored over 50 students and postdocs who now lead research groups worldwide or work in industry and the NHS. His laboratory has received significant funding from Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, and the Royal Society, supporting his advocacy efforts for cancer genetic studies in low- and middle-income countries.

The Experimental Cancer Genetics Laboratory utilizes large-scale genomic studies and genome editing technologies to identify cancer genes and explore their function. Dr. Adams co-heads the Sanger Excellence Programme for Black British scientists and is actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusion in scientific research.