Dr. Simon Cherry is a distinguished biomedical engineer whose pioneering contributions have fundamentally transformed medical imaging capabilities worldwide. He currently serves as Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology at the University of California Davis where he has been a faculty member since 2001. Dr. Cherry received his B.Sc.(Hons) in Physics with Astronomy from University College London in 1986 followed by a Ph.D. in Medical Physics from the University of London with subsequent postdoctoral training at UCLA. His career trajectory reflects a remarkable evolution from fundamental physics to applied biomedical technology development spanning multiple disciplines. Dr. Cherry has established himself as a visionary leader who bridges engineering innovation with clinical medicine to address critical healthcare challenges.
Dr. Cherry's most significant achievement is co-leading the EXPLORER consortium that developed the world's first total body positron emission tomography scanner enabling unprecedented whole body imaging capabilities that dramatically improve sensitivity while reducing radiation exposure. His research laboratory has pioneered innovations in detector technology for PET imaging that have enhanced both spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy of these vital diagnostic instruments. With expertise spanning the physics of PET to hybrid PET MRI systems his work has provided revolutionary pathways for studying pathologic processes that involve multiple organ systems throughout the entire body. These technological breakthroughs have expanded applications in clinical diagnosis while creating powerful new research tools for investigating disease mechanisms and treatment responses. His seminal contributions to biomedical imaging are documented in over 300 peer reviewed journal articles and the widely utilized textbook Physics in Nuclear Medicine.
Dr. Cherry has profoundly influenced the biomedical imaging community through leadership roles including serving as Editor in Chief of Physics in Medicine and Biology from 2011 to 2020. His election to the National Academy of Engineering in 2016 and the National Academy of Inventors recognizes exceptional contributions to advancing nuclear emission imaging technologies for medical science. Receipt of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Cassen Prize in 2022 highlights the enduring impact of his work on the field. Dr. Cherry's commitment to mentorship and knowledge dissemination has cultivated the next generation of imaging scientists through academic leadership and collaborative projects across multiple institutions. His legacy continues to evolve as total body PET imaging technology transitions from research applications toward widespread clinical implementation promising new frontiers in precision medicine and personalized treatment strategies.
