Kathryn Scott

Dr. Kathryn Scott is Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research and leads the charity’s mission to help more people in Yorkshire live longer, healthier lives. 

Since 2017, Kathryn has guided the charity through a period of significant growth and change. She has overseen the development of major programs supporting earlier diagnosis, improved prevention, and increased survival, including a pioneering lung screening clinical trial and the region-wide expansion of a research-backed cancer exercise treatment service. 

Under her leadership, Yorkshire Cancer Research has strengthened partnerships with a wide range of organizations, helping more people access innovative services and research across the region. The charity’s work has also gained national recognition, helping to inform how cancer services are designed and delivered in England. 

A scientist by background, Kathryn spent 12 years as a postdoctoral researcher. Her evidence-led approach is driven by curiosity about cancer biology and a conviction that inequalities in Yorkshire can and must be tackled, reflecting her belief that science and innovation can change the story of cancer for future generations.