Cancer pioneer will give new public lecture on science for common good

A medical researcher knighted for services to cancer research, Sir Harpal Kumar will give the keynote lecture as part of St John College’s new Common Good Programme.

Launched in October, the programme encourages our 1,000 students to explore cultural, social and ethical questions while gaining hands-on experience in public and community life.    

The free and wide-ranging scheme combines keynote lectures by leading public figures, workshops, charity partnerships, and engagement with civic leaders and MPs.    

In his inaugural lecture titled Science for the Common Good, Sir Harpal will discuss his illustrious career, during which he has made it his personal mission to transform the outcomes of people with cancer.

The Rev’d Canon Dr Victoria Johnson, The Common Good Programme co-director, Dean of Chapel and Fellow of St John’s, said: “The role of science in society is vital for human flourishing and serving the common good of all people. 

“Sir Harpal will reflect on his own vocation as a scientist and the role that science has in addressing some of the challenges we face as a human race.”

After studying Chemical Engineering at St John’s, Sir Harpal reignited his interest in medical research as a management consultant to the healthcare sector.

After working at The Papworth Trust as Chief Executive in the 1990s and reviving the disability charity’s fortunes, he founded a medical devices start-up.

Appointed Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK in 2007, he promoted the charity as a driving force for change, enabling a shift to embrace commercialism while maintaining outstanding fundamental discovery science.

Sir Harpal is now Chief Scientific Officer and President International at GRAIL, a biotech firm developing early cancer screening.

The Science for the Common Good lecture will take place in the Main Lecture Theatre, Old Divinity School, St John’s Street, Cambridge on Monday 24 November at 6pm.

The event is free and open to everyone. Booking is not required. It will be followed by questions from the audience and a drinks reception.

Find out more about The Common Good Programme