Professor Sir Mark Caulfield appointed as CEO of Barts Life Sciences

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield

Barts Life Sciences, a research and innovation partnership between Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust, is driving the development of a world-leading life sciences campus at Whitechapel focusing on digital health, genomics and clinical innovation.

The programme aims to develop the latest healthcare innovations and accelerate their adoption to transform patient care and improve outcomes. Working within the east London community, Barts Life Sciences also aims to reduce health inequalities and improve the health of one of the most diverse and disadvantaged areas of the UK.

In the new role, Professor Caulfield will be responsible for the overall leadership and delivery of the Barts Life Sciences programme and work with key stakeholders including the Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Life Sciences, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, NHS Property Services and Barts Charity.

Professor Caulfield will be stepping down from his role as Chief Scientist for Genomics England on 31^st July and will remain as Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at Queen Mary University of London.

Professor Caulfield is bringing a wealth of expertise and experience to the organisation and has already made significant contributions to life sciences over several decades. At Genomics England, he was instrumental in delivering the 100,000 Genomes Project which has delivered life-changing results for many patients. He has also worked with NHS England in the creation of the National Genomic Test Directory, which offers equitable access for 55 million people to appropriate genomic tests. 

As Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at Queen Mary University of London, he has also made substantial contributions to the discovery of genes related to cardiovascular health, cancer and rare diseases, with his research changing national and international guidance for high blood pressure.

Professor Caulfield will be working alongside Professor Rakesh Uppal, Director of Barts Life Sciences and Sven Bunn, Programme Director of Barts Life Sciences.

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield said: “I’m delighted to be joining Barts Life Sciences to lead the delivery of a thriving life sciences cluster at the heart of Whitechapel. By bringing together the NHS, academia, industry and health science organisations we will inspire, invent, and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge medical innovations, that meet the needs of our local population and improve health for all.”

Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, said: “We’re delighted that Mark is joining Barts Life Sciences. He has a proven track record of delivering pioneering medical research across Queen Mary, Genomics England and the NHS and is the perfect leader to help us deliver the next generation healthcare that east London needs. Our partnership is bringing together some of the best minds in the country to find new ways to tackle the diseases affecting our local population, improve the health inequalities facing this area of London, and deliver new treatments to patients faster.”

Dame Alwen Williams DBE, Group Chief Executive, Barts Health NHS Trust said: “It’s fantastic to have Mark come on board to lead Barts Life Sciences. Having someone with his expertise and experience as well as passion and commitment to driving science and healthcare forwards will not only benefit the organisation but the people of east London and beyond.”