Professor Ali Khurram, Professor and Honorary Consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, has been appointed as the new Dean of the School of Clinical Dentistry.
First arriving in Sheffield in 2004 as an international PhD student, Professor Khurram went on to complete several clinical trainee roles before returning to the University of Sheffield and starting his academic career in 2011 as an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Specialist Registrar, being awarded his personal chair in 2022.
Over the years, Professor Khurram has developed a passion for teaching and research in oral, maxillofacial and head and neck pathology, and raising awareness of head and neck cancers. Leading the NEOPATH Research Group, he works with researchers, clinicians and patient groups and charities around the world, on various aspects of head and neck cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction. He holds several key local, regional, national and international positions including:
- Clinical Lead for Diagnostic Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Service, Sheffield
- NIHR Dental Clinical Academic Training Lead, Sheffield
- Training Programme Director for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Secretary British Society for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Digital Adviser- Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland
- Member of National Clinical Academic Working Group of the Dental Schools Council, UK
- Deputy Chair- National Salivary Gland Cancer Working Group
- Member of Translational Research Committee of the Head and Neck Cancer International Group
- Educational Committee Member of the European Society of Pathology
He is a Trustee and Patron of the Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Charity and the President of the upcoming International Head and Neck Cancer Conference in Sheffield in November 2024.
On being appointed as the new Dean, Professor Khurram said "I feel extremely honoured, humbled and privileged to be appointed as the next Dean of the School of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Sheffield.
"I arrived here as an international PhD student from Pakistan in 2004 and it seems surreal to be leading it after 20 years. I have a strong sense of belonging to the School, Faculty and University, and over the last two decades, I have been fortunate enough to receive support and mentorship from University and NHS colleagues and I am passionate about giving something back.
"The School has a rich history and outstanding reputation, and I look forward to working with all colleagues across the Faculty and students to create a conducive, supportive, collegiate, interdisciplinary and enriched environment together and positively influence training of the next generation of dentists and researchers, to further enhance the School’s standing and research impact."
Professor Khurram will take over the role from Professor Dan Lambert on 1 September 2024. Professor Lambert said: "I’m delighted Professor Ali Khurram has been appointed as Dean of School. Ali is a highly respected clinical academic and a strong advocate for the School and the wider University. This is an exciting time for the School and I’m really looking forward to working with Ali to realise its ambitions under his leadership."