Leading with Excellence: Prof Jane Harries Wins CANSA Senior Leadership Award 2025
Prof Jane Harries
It is with great admiration that we recognise the exceptional leadership of Prof Jane Harries, Head of Research at CANSA, for the period April 2024 to March 2025. Her dedication and vision have significantly advanced CANSA’s research mandate and strengthened its reputation as a leading cancer control organisation in South Africa.
Under Jane’s leadership, CANSA’s Type A Research Programme Grants have been managed with exemplary precision, ensuring compliance, timely reporting, and optimal fund utilisation. Her strategic oversight has consistently grown research funding and resources, supporting impactful cancer research projects and fostering collaborations that benefit early-career researchers and translational research outputs.
In addition, Jane has shown innovation in managing Type B and C projects, including the International Ironman Registry, enhancing patient recruitment and research outcomes that directly support CANSA’s prevention activities. She has also championed the visibility of CANSA’s research through diverse communication channels, participation in external steering committees, and collaborations with the University of Cape Town, AWACAN-ED and Enhancing Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis in South Africa (ECLiPSA).
Jane contributed to five scientific publications in 2024/25, further reinforcing CANSA’s profile in the national and international research community. She has also actively supported health campaigns, Services, and Advocacy departments by providing evidence-based information and establishing a cancer expert group to advise CANSA on developments in cancer control and the health industry.
Her strong governance and leadership are evident in the effective management of her team, fostering mentorship, well-being, and professional development. Jane maintains rigorous risk management and compliance practices across all research programs, ensuring alignment with CANSA policies and collaboration with research partners.
Financially, Jane has demonstrated exceptional stewardship, managing a portfolio of R12 million per year and achieving year-on-year income growth through the CANSA Seal of Recognition Programme, all while working part-time three days a week.
In recognition of these outstanding achievements and her contribution to CANSA’s research and organisational excellence, we proudly present Prof Jane Harries with the Senior Leadership Award. This award celebrates not only her individual leadership but also the collaborative efforts of the entire Research Department.
