معرفی
Professor George Vassiliou is Professor of Haematological Medicine at the University of Cambridge, a Cancer Research UK Senior Fellow, and Consultant Haematologist at Cambridge University Hospitals. He leads the Vassiliou Group within the Department of Haematology, with laboratories embedded in both the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
Education & Training
- MB BS – Medicine, Royal London Hospital
- PhD – University of Cambridge, 2005
- Post-doctoral & clinical training – London and Cambridge teaching hospitals, Wellcome Sanger Institute
Research Themes
Professor Vassiliou’s work is centred on understanding how normal haematopoietic stem cells transform into malignant states and how these processes can be therapeutically intercepted. His group combines unbiased in vivo genetic screens, bespoke mouse modelling, and large-scale human cohort analyses to:
- Identify genetic vulnerabilities in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and related myeloid cancers.
- Track the evolution of clonal haematopoiesis in healthy ageing populations.
- Develop early detection strategies and preventive interventions for leukaemia.
Publication Trends
Over the last five years his output has focused on single-cell multi-omics of pre-leukaemic states, mitochondrial metabolic dependencies of DNMT3A-mutant clones, RNA-binding proteins as surface therapeutic targets, and ancestry-specific determinants of clonal expansion. These studies collectively highlight a trajectory from basic discovery (mechanisms of mutation-specific transformation) through pre-clinical validation (mouse models and CRISPR screens) to population-scale translation (UK Biobank & Mexico City cohorts).
Scientific Awards & Honours
- Cancer Research UK Senior Fellowship
- Wellcome Senior Fellowship in Clinical Science
- European Research Council (ERC) grants
- Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund Programme grants
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar Awards
Funding & Collaborations
Current funding exceeds £20 M from Cancer Research UK, ERC, Blood Cancer UK, AstraZeneca, and other bodies. He co-directs the Cambridge Blood and Stem Cell Biobank and is an executive member of the Cambridge Haematological Malignancies Virtual Institute, fostering collaboration across Cambridge, the Sanger Institute, and international partners.
Laboratory & Team
The Vassiliou Group comprises ~25 members including post-doctoral scientists, graduate students, clinical research fellows, and bioinformaticians. Shared core facilities include single-cell genomics, CRISPR screening, and germ-free mouse units, ensuring seamless translation from bench to bedside.
