Adam Mead

Our research goal is to identify rational therapeutic strategies for myeloid blood cancers, fuelled by a better understanding of the biological principles underlying disease development and progression.

About

I trained in medicine and haematology at the University of Oxford and University College London (UCL), and completed my PhD at UCL in 2007.

My research group, based at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, focuses on understanding the genetic and cellular complexity of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and related myeloid cancers. Our goal is to translate biological insights into better ways to diagnose, risk-stratify, and treat these largely incurable diseases.

Using cutting-edge single-cell genomics and in vivo models, we have uncovered new layers of heterogeneity within cancer stem cells and revealed how inflammation drives therapy resistance and genetic evolution. We are now exploring the interplay between genetic, metabolic, and inflammatory factors in the clonal evolution of myeloid malignancies — with the ultimate aim of delivering transformative clinical advances for patients.

Alongside my research, I look after patients with myeloid malignancies at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and have served as Principal Investigator, Chief Investigator or Scientific Lead for more than 60 clinical studies. My clinical and translational work integrates patient cohorts, serial sample banking, biomarker development and early- and late-phase clinical trials. I have helped drive the development of JAK inhibitor therapies for MPN through leadership roles in multiple landmark academic and industry-sponsored studies, including ROBUST, MAJIC, MITHRIDATE, PERSIST-1 and -2, MPDRC114, PHAZAR, PAC203, FEDORA and PROMise.

I am also interested in translating academic discoveries into new medicines through industry partnerships, intellectual property and company formation. In 2021 I co-founded Alethio Therapeutics, an Oxford spin-out developing new therapeutic approaches for chronic blood cancers based on single-cell genomics and human disease biology.

In 2024, I was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of contributions to cancer research and clinical translation.

Research Themes

• Cancer Stem Cell Heterogeneity: Defining the hidden diversity within malignant stem cell compartments in MPN and related malignancies.

• Inflammation and Disease Evolution: Investigating how inflammatory pathways drive therapy resistance and genetic evolution.

• Single-Cell Genomics and Experimental Models: Applying state-of-the-art technologies to dissect tumour ecosystems at unprecedented resolution.

• Clinical Translation: Bridging laboratory discoveries into early-phase and late-phase clinical trials in MPN and myeloid cancers.

Join Us

We are always looking for talented, motivated, and curious individuals who are passionate about making a difference in cancer research.

Opportunities are available for:

• PhD students

• Postdoctoral researchers

• Clinical research fellows

• Research assistants

We offer a collaborative and supportive environment with access to cutting-edge technologies, strong links between research and the clinic, and a commitment to mentorship and career development.

If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Prof. Adam Mead at adam.mead@imm.ox.ac.uk with a CV and a brief statement of your research interests.

ORC-ID

0000-0001-8522-1002