Rosetrees is delighted to congratulate Professor Charles Swanton on being awarded the 2026 Sjöberg Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious awards in cancer research.

Professor Swanton, based at the Francis Crick Institute, has transformed our understanding of how tumours evolve. His research has revealed that cancers are not uniform masses of identical cells, but complex, evolving systems in which different regions of a tumour acquire distinct genetic mutations over time.

In pioneering experiments, Professor Swanton demonstrated that different sections of the same tumour can carry different mutations — helping to explain why some cancer treatments fail to completely eradicate disease. If therapies target only certain mutations, resistant tumour “branches” may survive and drive relapse.

This evolutionary perspective on cancer was further advanced through TRACERx, a major longitudinal research study initiated by Professor Swanton. By following hundreds of lung cancer patients from diagnosis through treatment and relapse, TRACERx mapped how tumours change over time, creating an invaluable resource for the global research community.

His work has not only deepened scientific understanding but has also led to practical advances, including the development of blood tests capable of detecting early signs of cancer relapse.

Beyond his personal scientific achievements, Professor Swanton has built and led an exceptional research team. Many scientists who have trained in his laboratory have gone on to establish successful independent careers of their own, contributing further advances to cancer research around the world. This culture of collaboration, mentorship and excellence is a testament to his leadership and long-term vision for the field.

The Sjöberg Prize recognises discoveries that significantly advance our knowledge of cancer biology, and Professor Swanton’s work exemplifies this mission. As he looks ahead, he hopes to uncover how the very first cancer cell begins its evolutionary journey — knowledge that could one day allow us to prevent cancers before they fully develop.

Rosetrees has been proud to support Professor Swanton’s research over many years, and we are delighted to see his extraordinary contributions — and those of his wider team — recognised on the international stage.

We warmly congratulate Professor Swanton and his team on this well-deserved honour.