Lawrence Young (PhD DSc FRSB FRCPath FRCP FMedSci) is internationally recognised for his work on the role of virus infection (Epstein–Barr virus and human papillomavirus) in the pathogenesis of various tumours. He also has an interest in gene and immunotherapy, and this work has resulted in a number of clinical trials. He has published over 250 research papers in scientific journals as well as over 80 reviews and book chapters in the fields of virology, cancer and tumour immunology.

Lawrence is listed amongst the World’s most cited scientists in the ISI’s list of Highly Cited Researchers and has an H-index of 119. He has received major grants (£52 million over career) from Cancer Research UK, Leukaemia Research Fund (now Blood Cancer UK) and the Medical Research Council. Lawrence has an adjunct Professorship at Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) and Visiting Professorships at the Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) and the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Yogyakarta, Indonesia).

Lawrence has extensive experience of the commercial sector, both at the small biotechnology and multi-national company level. He co-led establishment of a biotechnology company in 1997 which eventually resulted in the development of Cobra Biologics, now part of Charles River. Lawrence has acted as consultant for various pharmaceutical and biotech companies including Pfizer, Novartis, GSK, Viracta Therapeutics, Abingdon Health, Moderna, BioNTech.

Lawrence was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Birmingham from 2008 to 2012 and then joined the University of Warwick as Pro-Vice Chancellor with responsibility for strategic planning and resources.  In 2018 Lawrence was appointed Professor of Molecular Oncology and Director of the Warwick Cancer Research Centre. Lawrence retired in 2024 with emeritus professorial status and remains involved in various research projects, collaborations and consultancies.

Lawrence makes frequent contributions to local, national and international media and was particularly active during the covid pandemic including advising the UK Government. He continues to make frequent appearances in the  media (TV and radio) as well as being highly quoted in national and international media.