International recognition for Hull York Medical School researcher

Hull York Medical School researcher Dr Cecilia Pompili has been awarded the prestigious Robert J Ginsberg Lectureship Award for Surgery 2026 by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). The award recognises Cecilia’s outstanding contribution to lung cancer research and thoracic surgery.

The Robert J. Ginsberg Lectureship Award is one of the highest honours in the field of thoracic surgery and aims to celebrate individuals who have advanced the diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer and improved outcomes for patients worldwide.

Dr Cecilia Pompili is Senior Clinical Lecturer in Psychosocial Oncology at Hull York Medical School and Thoracic Surgeon, and an internationally recognised expert in patient-centred lung cancer care. Having qualified in thoracic surgery and completed a PhD at the University of Leeds on the role of patient-reported outcomes in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer treatment, Dr Pompili has dedicated her career to ensuring that patients' experiences and quality of life are at the heart of cancer care. She is widely recognised for her work developing and implementing quality-of-life measures in clinical practice and for leading international initiatives focused on patient-centred care in thoracic oncology.

Dr Pompili said:

"“I am delighted and honoured to receive this award. Lung cancer continues to affect millions of people and their families around the world."

"My passion has always been to ensure that advances in treatment are matched by a commitment to understanding and improving patients’ experiences, wellbeing and quality of life. I hope to continue to work with colleagues from across the international thoracic surgery community and with patients to continue to advance understanding, diagnosis, treatment and care for those living with lung cancer and their families."

Professor Matthew Morgan, Dean of Hull York Medical School said:

"“This award recognises Cecilia’s exceptional contribution to lung cancer research and her commitment to improving care for patients – which has helped shape thinking and practice in thoracic oncology across the world."

"Through her research, she has helped advance understanding of how patient-reported outcomes can support clinical decision making, improve treatment experiences and ensure the voices of people living with cancer are reflected in the treatment they receive. Her work aligns with the School’s belief that research should make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives and we are incredibly proud to see her work recognised with this award.”

Hull York Medical School’s mission is to undertake research that improves health, advances knowledge, reduces inequities and builds strong community bonds to respond to local and global challenges. The Medical School’s researchers across Hull and York have a global reputation for their work which is advancing diagnosis, treatment and care and reducing inequalities across cancer, mental health, skin and wounds, long-term conditions and palliative and end-of-life care. This international award highlights the global reach of this work, as well as the School’s commitment to addressing some of the most significant health challenges affecting society today.