Robert Clarke

Robert Clarke is a Professor of Breast Biology and Director of the Lobular Moon Shot Project at the Manchester Breast Centre, based at the Oglesby Cancer Research Building, University of Manchester. He leads research focused on breast cancer stem cells, metastasis, and prevention strategies. His work contributes to understanding cancer initiation and developing targeted therapies.

Clarke holds a BSc (Hons) in Biology with European Studies (University of Sussex and Université Grenoble Alpes) and a PhD in Molecular Oncology from the University of Manchester (1995). His career includes postdoctoral training at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and roles as a Cancer Research UK Research Fellow, Lecturer, and Reader before becoming a Professor.

Research Interests: His lab investigates breast cancer stem cell regulation, hormonal influences on tumor development, and metastatic microenvironment modeling. Key themes include identifying self-renewal pathways for therapy and prevention strategies. He also explores circadian clock influences on cancer progression and chemoresistance mechanisms.

Grants & Projects: Leading projects like Developing Targeted Strategies for Precision Breast Cancer Prevention and collaborating in initiatives such as the EurOPDX Consortium. He contributes to the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and Cancer Manchester Research Centre.

Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches Cancer Stem Cells to final-year Biology and Oncology students. Supervises PhD and postgraduate researchers, including those funded by Breast Cancer Now and MRC grants. His group includes over 15 researchers focused on breast cancer biology and therapy.

Professional Engagement: Member of the Medical Research Council Clinical Training Panel, Swiss National Science Foundation, and editorial boards of Breast Cancer Research and Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia.