Originally published on the PHTA website at: https://phta.co.uk/introducing-dr-gianmarco-contino-phtas-translational-lead/
As a founding sponsor of Life Sciences Week, we’re taking a closer look at one of the newest recruits at PHTA, and their strong track record, and we look forward to the expertise they’ll contribute to the organisation, the wider region and sector.
A career at the intersection of clinical care and cutting-edge research
An experienced clinician scientist and consultant surgeon, Dr Gianmarco Contino has built a career at the intersection of clinical care and cutting-edge research. Now, as Translational Lead at PHTA, he brings a global background in oncology and genomics to Birmingham’s growing life sciences sector.
Gianmarco’s journey into research began during his first year of medical school in Rome, where he joined a Medical Genetics lab. That early introduction to molecular biology laid the foundations for a career focused on understanding cancer through a genomic lens. He later trained as a surgical oncologist at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan and completed a PhD in Translational Medicine, supported by fellowships at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Imperial College London.
Research previously focused on oesophageal cancer
He went on to join the University of Cambridge as a Clinical Lecturer, working with the Fitzgerald lab and the International Cancer Genome Consortium. His research focused on oesophageal cancer, with a particular interest in chromosomal mutations that affect large segments of the genome and contribute to cancer progression.
“What inspired me most was the need I saw in the clinic for better, biology-driven cancer treatments.,” Gianmarco said.
At the University of Birmingham, Gianmarco leads a translational research programme focused on chromosomal instability and structural variation in aggressive cancers. He describes the city as a natural fit, offering a collaborative environment that links academia, clinical services and national genomics infrastructure.
Industry experience is key
Gianmarco brings significant experience working with industry, having collaborated on gene panel development, diagnostic tools and mutational signature integration. He also contributed to the COSMIC database and the Sanger Institute’s Cell Lines Project, which continues to shape cancer diagnostics globally. He has worked with several start-ups, including Cambridge Cancer Genomics and Epistemic AI.
As Translational Lead at PHTA, Gianmarco is keen to align research, healthcare delivery and business innovation. He sees the role as a chance to support meaningful collaboration and speed up the journey from discovery to impact.
“PHTA offers companies access to a clinically integrated, research-active environment with patient samples, high-quality data, and expert networks,” he said.
Focused on developing tools to support treatment decision-making
Gianmarco’s lab is currently focused on developing tools to support treatment decision-making, particularly for patients with oesophageal cancer.
Beyond the lab, Gianmarco is committed to reducing inequities in cancer research and care. His team works with international collaborators to study cancer biology in underrepresented
populations. He also supports widening participation in science through In2ScienceUK and university outreach, and takes part in public engagement initiatives such as Pint of Science.
