The Heavey Lab is based in the Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, and is led by Dr Susan Heavey, Associate Professor of Translational Medicine in the Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences at UCL. The group brings together a multidisciplinary team of clinical and non‑clinical researchers and students, reflecting the translational focus of our work.

Our research centres on solid tumours, with a particular emphasis on improving the clinical relevance of pre‑clinical cancer research. We make extensive use of spatial transcriptomics alongside advanced 3D model systems, including patient‑derived explants, patient‑derived organoids, and other complex in vitro platforms.

A core aim of the lab is to bridge the gap between experimental cancer models and human disease. We do this not only through the adoption of emerging technologies, but also by prioritising rigorous experimental design, careful consideration of cohort applicability, and methodological transparency. We place strong emphasis on choosing model systems and analytical approaches that are appropriate to the biological and clinical questions being asked.

Across all projects, we are committed to sustainable and reproducible research practices, with the overarching goal of generating data that is both biologically meaningful and directly informative for clinical translation.