Celebrating Dr Christoph Oing’s progression
Thursday May 21, 2026
We are delighted to celebrate Dr Christoph Oing, the first clinical fellow from the NUAcT scheme to progress to an open-ended academic contract, an important milestone for both Christoph and the future of clinical academic careers at Newcastle.
As a Newcastle University Partnership Academic Track (NUPAcT) fellow, Christoph’s role has uniquely spanned academia, the NHS and industry through collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals. This integrated model has enabled him to work across the full spectrum of cancer research, from early discovery through to clinical trials.
A model for modern clinical academia
Christoph’s fellowship reflects an innovative approach to clinical academia, recognised nationally for its depth and breadth. The opportunity to work across academic, clinical and industry environments has supported his development as a confident and independent clinical academic leader.
During his fellowship, Christoph has led and contributed to early-phase clinical trials, advanced patient‑derived cancer research and contributed to international clinical guidelines. He also co‑established the INGENIOUS Project, an umbrella platform for translational research using patient‑derived materials from patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancers.
Alongside his research, Christoph has played a vital role in supporting the next generation of clinical academics through the Newcastle CRUK Clinical Academic Training programme via teaching, supervision and mentorship.
Partnership, purpose and impact
A defining strength of Christoph’s journey has been partnership working. Through his collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals, he has contributed to translational research programmes and drug development, gaining valuable insight into how discovery science translates into patient benefit.
Maria Ahn, VP Biosciences, Astex Pharmaceuticals said:
“This great news shows that the NUPAcT fellowship can deliver on training and providing future leaders at the key nexus of academic research, clinical research and industry. Astex is proud to support this initiative.”
His work also aligns closely with the ambitions of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, where developing the next generation of clinical academics is essential to sustaining the pioneering clinical trials led through Newcastle. These trials are already transforming cancer treatment for patients across the region and beyond, making investment in people, skills and clinical academic pathways more important than ever.
Christoph’s journey exemplifies the strength of partnership working across Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NuTH) and industry partners including Astex Pharmaceuticals, demonstrating what is possible through aligned investment in people, infrastructure and clinical academic careers.
Supporting the future pipeline
At a time when clinical academic pathways face national challenges, the NUAcT and NUPAcT schemes – supported through the wider Newcastle Health Research Partnership (NHRP) structure – provide a vital, structured route for researchers to thrive across sectors.
Also included in this structure, are the NHRP Senior Clinical Fellows/Honorary Consultant posts, which are a joint initiative between Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. These unique “50/50” roles offer protected time for research and clinical practice, with a single employment contract and up to five years of salary support to consolidate research programmes and develop major fellowship or award applications.
Within NHRP, Christoph is part of a growing clinical academic community, benefiting from tailored advice on research funding and career development, and contributing to a novel funding and support stream designed to help clinicians and researchers navigate complex academic pathways.
This cross institutional approach reflects a shared commitment to sustaining the future pipeline of clinical academics across Newcastle and the region. With Christoph’s progression highlighting what is possible when individuals are given the space, support and partnerships needed to grow into independent leaders.
Looking ahead
Now progressing to an open‑ended role, Christoph will continue to expand his research, clinical trials activity and international collaborations, further strengthening Newcastle’s position in cancer research and care.
Justina Heslop, NUAcT Fellowship Scheme Manager, said:
“Christoph’s progression is a wonderful moment for the scheme. He has embraced the full breadth of the NUPAcT model – bringing together research, clinical practice and industry collaboration. What stands out most is not only his impressive achievements, but his commitment to developing others and contributing to a wider research community. It’s been a privilege to support his journey, and we’re excited to see what comes next.”