Frank McCaughan

Dr. Frank McCaughan is an Assistant Professor in Respiratory Medicine at the University of Cambridge's Department of Medicine and Honorary Consultant at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. His research bridges clinical practice with laboratory science, focusing on lung cancer pathobiology and innovative diagnostic strategies. Originally trained at the University of Edinburgh, he completed postdoctoral fellowships at UCL, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and King's College London.

Research Focus: Dr. McCaughan leads a multidisciplinary team investigating: (1) SOX2-driven mechanisms in squamous lung carcinogenesis using novel organotypic models; (2) Liquid biopsy development for early lung cancer detection (MISIL1 project); and (3) Engineering patient-derived in vitro airway systems (iLUNG initiative). His work integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and tissue engineering to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate expertise in squamous lung cancer biology (SOX2 dependencies, AKT inhibition), COVID-19 pathogenesis (airway infection mechanisms, vaccine efficacy), and translational technologies (multi-omics biomarker platforms, organotypic models).

Awards & Recognition:

• MRC Clinical PhD Fellowship
• Wellcome Trust Intermediate Fellowship

Collaborations & Grants: Principal Investigator for CRUK-funded MISIL1 project; collaborates with Cambridge Cancer Centre, Milner Therapeutics Institute, and bioengineering groups. Leads the iLUNG consortium developing patient-specific lung disease models.