Sam Behjati

Professor Sam Behjati is a Clinical Professor of Paediatric Oncology at the University of Cambridge, a Group Leader and Wellcome Senior Research Fellow at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and an Honorary Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. His dual role seamlessly integrates cutting-edge research with frontline clinical care for children with cancer.

Education & Training:

• MA, BM BCh (Oxon) – University of Oxford, Medicine
• PhD – Cambridge
• MRCPCH – Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
• Academic clinical training – London & Cambridge

Research Interests:

Professor Behjati’s laboratory employs quantitative genomic approaches to elucidate the cellular origins of childhood cancers. By integrating large-scale sequencing data with functional assays, his team dissects the earliest mutational events that drive malignant transformation across diverse paediatric tumour types. A parallel clinical programme spearheads the systematic introduction of whole-genome sequencing into routine paediatric oncology care, aiming to personalise treatment, identify predisposition syndromes, and improve long-term outcomes.

Scientific Awards & Honours:

• Wellcome Senior Research Fellow

Clinical & Academic Service:

As an Honorary Consultant at Addenbrooke’s, Professor Behjati leads paediatric oncology genomic medicine initiatives, ensuring seamless translation of research findings into clinical practice. He also serves as a Professorial Fellow at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he supervises students in cancer biology and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists.

Labs & Teams:

He heads a dynamic research group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, integrating computational biologists, wet-lab scientists, and clinician-researchers to advance the global understanding of childhood cancer and to deliver precision oncology for young patients.