The Wales Cancer Research Centre is delighted to celebrate Prof. Alan Parker, WCRC CReSt Theme 2 Lead and Professor of Translational Virology at Cardiff University, who has been awarded the Translational Microbiology Prize 2026 by the Microbiology Society.
A global leader in advanced therapies for solid tumours, Prof. Parker has dedicated his career to redefining how viruses can be engineered to fight cancer. Since establishing his research team in Cardiff in 2013, he has led pioneering work to understand the virus–host interactions that determine how adenoviruses enter human tissues. By reprogramming these interactions, his team has created “precision virotherapies” which are engineered viruses designed to target cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissue.
This new “Trojan horse” strategy has opened new horizons for intravenous cancer treatments. In partnership with TROCEPT Therapeutics, where he serves as Chief Scientific Officer, Prof Parker has helped advance the first of these therapies into clinical evaluation, targeting carcinomas that overexpress the αvβ6 integrin.
Reflecting on the award, Prof. Parker said: “I’m truly honoured – not to mention incredibly surprised and humbled – to receive the Translational Microbiology Prize for 2026. Since establishing my lab in 2013, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptionally talented and dedicated scientists, both within my team and through inspiring collaborations. This award is a testament to their hard work and shared commitment to impactful research. I’m incredibly proud to accept this award on behalf of the entire team, and I’m deeply grateful to the Microbiology Society for recognising our efforts in translational microbiology.”
The £1000 Translational Microbiology Prize is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to translational microbiology. Congratulations to the whole team!