Prostate Cancer Research CEO Oliver Kemp receives MBE at Windsor Castle
Oliver Kemp, the Chief Executive Officer of Prostate Cancer Research (PCR), was today formally presented with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by HRH The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. The honour, awarded in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, recognises his transformative services to prostate cancer research and his leadership in the sector over the past eight and a half years.
When presenting the honour to Kemp, The Prince of Wales spoke about recent innovations in cancer vaccines and diagnoses and referenced the Royal Family’s recent public advocacy for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Accompanied by his family for the ceremony, Kemp described the experience as “entirely surreal”. The nomination, submitted by former PCR Trustee Matt Newcombe-Ellis, came as a total surprise to the CEO, who reflected that the award belongs to the entire community dedicated to the cause.
A legacy of transformation and growth
Since Kemp was appointed CEO, Prostate Cancer Research has evolved from a small organisation with an annual income of £1 million and six staff members into a £5 million powerhouse with a team of 49. Under his leadership, the charity now funds over 20 research projects and has pioneered a collaborative model that bridges the gap between academia, industry, and healthcare.
Key achievements during his tenure include:
- Tackling inequity: Investing £2 million in closing the gap for Black men, who face a 1 in 4 risk of diagnosis. PCR has funded eight research projects specifically focused on racial disparities.
- Empowering patients: Growing a patient community of over 150,000 people and launching the Infopool, a digital education platform recommended by the NHS.
- Data innovation: Developing Prostate Progress, the UK’s first platform to integrate NHS data with patient experience to personalise treatments and accelerate clinical trials.
- National policy influence: Campaigning for a targeted national screening program and ensuring prostate cancer remains on top of the media agenda and an immediate priority for policymakers.
When the announcement of the award was made, former prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “Oliver has been a determined and eloquent advocate for Prostate Cancer Research. He has put the issue squarely on the national agenda and has highlighted the difference a targeted national screening programme could make. I congratulate Oliver on this thoroughly deserved recognition.”
Oliver Kemp, CEO of Prostate Cancer Research, said: "Receiving an MBE is a huge personal honour, but it truly belongs to the team, not to me. It reflects the commitment of our researchers, our supporters, our partners, and, most importantly, the patients and families we serve.
"My disbelief at the nomination turned to pride as I realised how much we have achieved together - reaching key ambitions through bold collaboration and innovation. However, the work is far from finished. We must continue to listen to the science and be bold in our solutions until we reach a future free from prostate cancer".