Alyssa Tapley named in list of leading global health leaders

Alyssa Tapley, 17 from Leicester, has been named in TIME’S 2026 TIME100 Health List of the World’s Most Influential Leaders in Health.

TIME Magazine describes the list as “spotlight(ing) the 100 most influential leaders in health this year. As the global order has shifted, these titans, innovators, leaders, pioneers, and catalysts have pushed new ideas—from gene therapies to regulatory agencies—ahead to build healthier populations around the world.”

When Alyssa was 13, she agreed to be the first person in the world to receive a treatment made through base-editing - a new way to create a potentially powerful treatment for her cancer, but it had never been tried before. Her bravery was the first step in a clinical trial that has helped adults and children, and has now been extended to a further 10 patients with Relapsed T-cell Leukaemia.

Alyssa said: "It was four years ago when I first met Professor Qasim and his amazing team , I am so thankful to be here and honoured to be named one of the TIME Top 100 Health Influencers. This moment is not just about me, but belongs to every person who has supported and encouraged me on my journey"

Chief Executive from GOSH, Matthew Shaw, said: “This recognition is a powerful tribute to Alyssa’s extraordinary courage and to Professor Qasim’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of science in the service of children. Alyssa’s willingness to step into the unknown, and maturity at such a young age, has already helped change what is possible for others.

“We are immensely proud of the huge variety of teams that work together for Alyssa, and young people like her, to make a real difference to lives around the world.”

The full list and related tributes appear in the 2/23 issue, available on newsstands on Friday, February 13, 2026, and now at http://time.com/time100health.