Simon Herrington

Professor Simon Herrington is a distinguished academic and clinician serving as Professor of Molecular Cancer Pathology at the University of Edinburgh's Institute of Genetics and Cancer and Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre. He holds a dual role as a Consultant Pathologist with NHS Lothian, specializing in gynaecological pathology. His academic leadership extends to his position as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research and Editor Emeritus of The Journal of Pathology.

Professor Herrington's educational journey began with a Biochemistry degree from the University of Cambridge (1982), followed by Medicine from the University of London (1985). He completed his clinical training at the University of Oxford, earning his DPhil in 1991 and MRCPath in 1994. His academic career progressed from Clinical Lecturer at Oxford to Personal Chair at Liverpool (1999), before holding Chairs in Pathology at St Andrews (2003), Dundee (2010), and finally Edinburgh (2015).

His research focuses on molecular cancer pathology, particularly optical imaging for early cancer detection and the molecular investigation of epithelial ovarian tumors including high-grade serous, low-grade serous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinomas. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications through the Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research, where he collaborates with Professor Charlie Gourley. The recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on genomic analysis of ovarian cancer subtypes, risk stratification models, and novel therapeutic targets.

Professor Herrington's scientific leadership is recognized through his editorial roles with major pathology journals, presidency of the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists, and contributions to authoritative texts including the WHO Classification of Tumours of Female Reproductive Organs and Muir's Textbook of Pathology.

• Editor Emeritus of The Journal of Pathology (since Jan 2023)
• Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research (Dec 2014 to present)
• Past President of the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists
• Co-editor of WHO Classification of Tumours of Female Reproductive Organs (4th and 5th Editions)
• Editor of Muir's Textbook of Pathology (15th and 16th Editions)

His research group has secured substantial funding from major organizations including Cancer Research UK, Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, and Target Ovarian Cancer. Current projects focus on molecular dissection of ovarian cancers, developing ovarian cancer models, and investigating cell-free DNA biomarkers. Professor Herrington actively mentors PhD students like Emily Southworth and collaborates extensively with researchers across institutions including the University of St Andrews, Strathclyde University, and within NHS Lothian. His laboratory work combines molecular pathology with advanced imaging techniques to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.