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Russell Thomas, Science Area Leader and Head of Radiotherapy and Radiation Dosimetry at NPL has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his services to radiotherapy and cancer treatment.
Of the award Russell said “I was both amazed and humbled to be given this award. I hope this might help to highlight the impact of the work that not only my incredible team achieve, but also the huge range of areas NPL scientists support in terms of scientific research, economic development and quality of life for the UK.”
Over a 30-year career at NPL, he has worked on and later led, the development of primary standards for radiotherapy and the delivery of associated calibration services and dosimetry audits. The work of his group has been directly responsible for defining and validating the radiotherapy dose delivered to an estimated 5 million cancer patients.
Over this time, working closely with both NPL and clinical colleagues, Russell’s work supporting UK radiotherapy cancer treatment has been instrumental in helping to maintain high standards of quality in cancer treatments delivered across both NHS and private hospitals throughout the UK.
His pioneering mindset has led to groundbreaking developments in dose measurement and traceability for external beam radiotherapy, particularly in the area of proton beam therapy, which offers particular benefits for certain childhood cancers.
As the first NPL scientist to obtain state registration as a clinical scientist whilst on secondment within a clinical department, Russell has been pivotal in bridging measurement science with the practicalities of clinical application. His strategic foresight has also been instrumental in supporting research into advanced and novel cancer therapies.
Russell’s influence and expertise is demonstrated by his co-authorship, with clinical colleagues, of Institute of Physics in Engineering and Medicine (IPEM) national guidelines and recommendations covering various methods of radiotherapy cancer treatment. For over two decades, his strong advocacy of best practice and treatment conformity in radiotherapy departments has driven improvements in the consistency and accuracy of cancer patient treatments delivered across the country. Crucially, Russell has facilitated important collaborations which have fostered innovation and contributed to advances in patient care.
Russell has played a significant role in the mentoring and development of over 50 scientists, actively engaging in their growth. His dedication to volunteering, teaching, and mentoring has not only contributed to their individual successes but has also cultivated a new generation of clinical and measurement scientists poised to make significant contributions to the field.
14 Jun 2025