Our leadership and governance
We operate as an international virtual institute, connecting expertise and resources across our member centres. We’re led by representatives from across the Alliance who guide our strategic direction.
How we're funded
The International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED) is supported by more than £50m of investment across its member centres.
Cancer Research UK funds the UK centres at The University of Manchester, University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge. Funding for the centres at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Knight Cancer Institute is provided and managed by their respective host organisations. This financial model underpins our collaborative research, shared infrastructure and training activities.
All funding applications are reviewed by a panel of expert peer reviewers and decisions are made jointly by the Alliance Executive Board.
As ACED grows, we’re looking to work with additional partners to bring new expertise, resources and investment to the Alliance.
Governance principles
Virtual institute model
We connect global research centres under one coordinated structure.
Shared decision-making
Major decisions require consensus across all member centres.
Cross-centre governance
Leadership spanning UK, US and European institutions.
Our leadership structure
ACED is managed by the Alliance Executive Board and programme team with the support of strategic advisory groups.
Meet the Alliance Executive Board
This board provides strategic direction, makes funding decisions, and oversees major initiatives. Our patient and public partners participate in meetings on a 12-month rotating basis.
Catherine Elliott
Cancer Research UK ACED Centre Director
Timothy Rebbeck
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ACED Centre Director
Alliance Executive Board Chair
Robert Bristow
The University of Manchester ACED Centre Director
Sigrid Carlsson
DKFZ ACED Centre Director
Mark Emberton
UCL ACED Centre Director
Laura Heiser
Knight Cancer Institute ACED Centre Director
Rebecca Fitzgerald
University of Cambridge ACED Centre Director
Linda Galbraith
ACED patient and public partner
Meet the programme team
The programme team manages day-to-day operations and delivery of strategic initiatives for the Alliance.
Sarah Carden
ACED Central Alliance Manager, Cancer Research UK
Sania Ahmed
ACED Project Manager, Cancer Research UK
Lydia Conley
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ACED Centre Programme Manager
Martin Bone
The University of Manchester ACED Centre Programme Manager
Claudia Mayer
DKFZ ACED Centre Programme Manager
Louise Urien
UCL ACED Centre Programme Manager
James McGann
Knight Cancer Institute ACED Centre Interim Programme Manager
Bridget Bannerman
University of Cambridge ACED Centre Programme Manager
Our advisory bodies
Scientific Advisory Board
Our Scientific Advisory Board includes academic and industry experts from a range of disciplines with deep understanding of cancer early detection. They provide independent strategic advice to the Alliance Executive Board and champion ACED's mission.
Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) panel
Our PPIE panel consists of patient and public partners from across all regions within the Alliance. These partners support ACED to embed PPIE across the Alliance and ensure research reflects the needs and priorities of people affected by cancer.
You may also be interested in
Our research portfolio
Explore our four research themes, meet the research theme leads and learn what our member centre teams are working on.
Patient and public involvement and engagement
Learn how we’re embedding patient and public involvement and engagement throughout our research.
Latest news
Stay up to date with the latest developments across the Alliance, including publications, research highlights, events and training opportunities.