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Professor Giulia De Falco, Professor in Pathology and Molecular Clinical Microbiology in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, has been appointed to a prestigious international subcommittee of the World Health Organization (WHO).

This committee plays a crucial role in updating the WHO's classification of tumours, ensuring that diagnostic guidelines remain current and accessible worldwide.

Professor De Falco joins a distinguished panel of 20 experts from across the globe and is the sole representative from the UK. Her work will contribute to the development of the 6th edition of the WHO's 'blue books' – the internationally recognised guidelines used in the diagnosis and treatment of human tumours.

The WHO updates its tumour classification regularly to keep up with medical research. However, some diagnostic methods need specialised skills and costly equipment, making them hard to use in low-income areas. This committee will advise the WHO/WCT Editorial Board on the practicality of current guidelines and suggest alternative diagnostic approaches that work in resource-limited regions, helping to improve global healthcare access.

Professor De Falco's appointment reflects her longstanding commitment to bridging educational and operational gaps in underprivileged countries. She has been one of the founder members of the European Society of Pathology working group 'Pathology in Favour of Developing Countries', which she chairs since 2021. Through this role, she has organised major international pathology congresses, workshops, and training opportunities, fostering global collaboration in the field.