Professor of Surgery and Head of the Cancer Research Division at the University of Dundee, Robert Steele’s many outstanding contributions are in surgery, cancer prevention and cancer screening. His novel work on node sampling for breast cancer, endoscopic treatment for bleeding peptic ulcer, and minimal access surgery, all changed clinical practice. He chaired the group that delivered colorectal cancer screening in Scotland ultimately leading to it being introduced across the UK, having a significant impact on colorectal cancer mortality. Professor Steele also led the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme as Director, and is Independent Chair of the UK National Screening Committee, which advises UK Government on Health Screening Policy.