Waleed Fateen
How did you become interested in translational gastroenterology?
My interest in translational GI/hepatology emerged naturally from my clinical experiences and scientific training. Witnessing firsthand the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment methods for hepato-biliary cancers inspired me to bridge the gap between cutting-edge genomic research and practical clinical solutions. Translational GI/hepatology provided the perfect opportunity to directly impact patient care by developing innovative screening tests that are both affordable and widely accessible.
What are you currently working on, and what importance does your work hold for current patients with gastrointestinal issues?
My current research focuses on developing cost-effective molecular tests for the early detection and monitoring of primary liver and biliary tract cancers—specifically hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis from blood and bile samples. By leveraging genomic discoveries made through comprehensive sequencing studies over the past two decades, my team and I are creating tests that can be easily adopted by diagnostic laboratories, significantly improving early detection and potentially transforming clinical outcomes for patients facing these aggressive cancers.
What do you enjoy most about scientific research?
What excites me most about scientific research is the constant opportunity to solve challenging, meaningful problems that have real-world implications. I particularly enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of translational research, collaborating closely with scientists, bioinformaticians, and industry partners. Witnessing how scientific discoveries directly benefit patients and improve healthcare delivery is immensely fulfilling and continually motivates me.
What’s the best part of being an Oxford University TGLU member?
Being a part of Oxford University’s TGLU is remarkable due to the vibrant academic environment, outstanding mentorship, and dynamic collaboration opportunities it provides. The TGLU community fosters innovation, supports ambitious research initiatives, and brings together world-class experts who genuinely care about translating research into tangible patient benefits. This is my first year at Oxford, and the experience has been excellent. I am particularly grateful to all my colleagues, as their welcoming, supportive, and inspiring approach immediately made me feel at home. The strong sense of community and genuine enthusiasm make working at TGLU especially rewarding and motivating.