Professor Shonit Punwani

Professor Shonit Punwani is Professor of Magnetic Resonance and Cancer Imaging at University College London, where he directs the UCL Centre for Medical Imaging and was recently appointed Head of the UCL Department of Imaging.

As a Consultant Radiologist at University College London Hospitals, he has built an international reputation for advancing quantitative and functional MRI techniques, with a particular focus on prostate cancer. His work spans clinical innovation, translational research, and the development of imaging pathways that meaningfully improve patient outcomes.

A central theme of Professor Punwani’s research is the evolution of prostate MRI—from refining multi‑parametric and bi‑parametric imaging methods to integrating artificial intelligence for enhanced detection, risk stratification, and screening. He has been instrumental in driving forward novel MRI methodologies that aim to streamline diagnostics, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and support more personalised management of prostate cancer. His contributions have shaped national and international standards, influencing how prostate MRI is performed, interpreted, and incorporated into multidisciplinary care.

In recognition of his leadership and transformative research, Professor Punwani was awarded a prestigious NIHR Research Professorship in 2023 - one of only six recipients nationwide - accompanied by £2 million in funding to revolutionise prostate cancer imaging pathways over five years. He also plays a key role in Prostate Cancer UK’s landmark £42 million TRANSFORM trial, the largest prostate cancer screening study ever undertaken in the UK. Through these initiatives, he continues to drive the next generation of imaging science, ensuring that prostate cancer diagnosis and management evolve with precision, efficiency, and global impact.