We’re delighted to welcome four exceptional leaders in their respective fields as new Curestarter Trustees. Cait Dacey, Susan Kohlhaas, Rachel Curtis Gravesen, and Nico Holmes joined us just as we launched our latest Grant Round – our annual call for the most exciting ideas for new cancer cures from researchers around the world.
Cancer has touched so many people's lives, mine included, so I'm privileged to become part of a charity that funds discovery research, a critical point to explore future breakthroughs. Worldwide Cancer Research is special in the way it brings the Curestarter community together to create a future where no life is cut short by cancer.
Cait Dacey is Associate Director and Head of Healthcare at award-winning B Corp communications consultancy Stand.
With extensive experience working at world-leading agencies, and both local and global clients, her knowledge of behaviour change principles underpins her expertise in insight, culture, communications, marketing, and income generation strategy and modelling.
I was inspired by Worldwide Cancer Research’s nearly 50-year legacy of backing the boldest, most innovative ideas. It is a privilege to support the scientists asking the big, challenging questions that can lead to pioneering breakthroughs. By backing this discovery research today, we are starting the cures of the future.
Nico Holmes is a senior business leader and General Manager with global experience growing world-leading business units at Google and L’Oréal.
His career has focused on scaling businesses internationally, leading high-performing cross-functional teams and translating complex innovation into effective growth strategies.
Having worked for many years in biotech, supporting innovative oncology solutions, I've seen how important it is to fund transformative discovery science. Cancer affects us all in one way or another, and I am passionate about helping find new ways to cure it, exploring bold ideas with real potential to change patient outcomes.
Rachel Curtis Gravesen is a communications and brand leader who has spent over 25 years in the healthcare, biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
She has led multi-disciplinary teams and major brand transformations, overseeing strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, fundraising communications, IPO preparation, and reputation and crisis management.
Cancer has shaped both my early scientific career and my personal life. I was drawn to Worldwide Cancer Research because of its bold commitment to discovery science - backing ideas that open entirely new directions. Being a Curestarter means championing ambitious research today that could transform patients' futures tomorrow.
Executive Director of Research & Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, Susan Kohlhaas oversees a £55m research portfolio and leads major international funding initiatives and partnerships.
With a PhD in cancer cell biology, she brings nearly 20 years’ experience in the medical research charity sector, spanning strategy, governance and research funding.
We know that Cait, Susan, Rachel and Nico will bring a wealth of skills and experience to the table, as they join us in our mission to start new cures for a day when no life is cut short by cancer. Alongside our other Trustees, they will provide support – and challenge – as they oversee our work in the coming years.
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