A word from SMART CRC chair Dr Leanna Read
It has been immensely fulfilling to begin 2026 with strong momentum, enthusiasm, and a fully formed SMART CRC team. I am delighted to welcome our new partners and associates and to see early collaboration already taking shape. The continued interest from prospective partners speaks volumes about the strength of this community.
Looking ahead, a key priority for the coming quarter will be the appointment of the ongoing Board of the CRC. An interim Board, comprising myself as Chair, alongside Professor Simon Cool (CEO) and Dr Sarah Costanzo (COO), has enabled us to establish strong foundations in such a short time. We will shortly seek partner input on potential independent Board members, with formal appointments to be approved at the first General Meeting.
I would like to congratulate the CRC management team and our partners on the impressive progress achieved in just nine months and thank the CRC Secretariat for their guidance and support.
We are off to a strong start and I look forward to what we will achieve together as we continue to develop therapies that change people’s lives.