Professor Grant Stewart

I’m a clinician-scientist and academic urological surgeon. My work sits at the intersection of translational science, clinical practice, and policy — with a core aim of improving outcomes for people diagnosed with kidney cancer. I lead research programmes that seek to detect kidney cancer earlier, deliver more personalised treatment strategies, and ensure that research discoveries translate meaningfully into routine NHS care. 

As Director of the CRUK Cambridge Centre Urological Malignancies Virtual Institute, I’ve built a research environment that integrates surgical trials, molecular science, imaging, and real-world data — embedded within a specialised NHS clinical service. 

I’ve had the privilege of leading or supporting national and international studies across the full patient pathway, from early detection and neoadjuvant therapy to late-phase treatment trials. I’ve been fortunate to repeatedly secure major research funding and contributed to work that has directly influenced treatment guidelines and health policy. 

Equally important to me is the development of others. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of clinical academics, particularly those working in surgery, oncology, translational science, and trial methodology. 

I supervise PhD and Master’s students, support early-career researchers through fellowships and infrastructure, and advocate for protected research time within clinical roles. I also co-lead the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre Capacity Development Theme and direct ACF training at the University of Cambridge. 

I believe strongly that impactful research comes from well-supported teams and inclusive environments — and I work to embed these principles in every initiative I lead. 

Beyond my own research, I contribute to the wider ecosystem through national leadership roles. I chair or serve on committees for NICE, NHS England, the National Kidney Cancer Audit, and several charities. I’ve supported guideline development, authored policy reports, and led large-scale initiatives to standardise and improve kidney cancer care across the UK. 

I also collaborate actively with industry and patient groups to ensure that innovation is informed by real-world needs and co-designed with the people it’s intended to help. 

Ultimately, I see my work as part of a broader mission: to connect discovery science with the day-to-day realities of patients and clinicians.  

Project/study information

I’m leading risk‑stratified early detection studies (screening (YKST, TACTICAL1), biomarker development), peri‑surgical systemic therapy trials (i.e. WIRE, NAXIVA, RAMPART, SORCE) via my leadership of International Neoadjuvant Kidney Cancer Consortium (INKCC), and patient‑centred, risk‑adaptive follow‑up pathways grounded in qualitative evidence (PREDICT Kidney).