Dr Balagopal P G, a prolific oncosurgeon has been appointed as the director of Cochin Cancer Research Centre.He is the first neurosurgeon in the country to be appointed as the director of an apex cancer centre in the country. He has been working as Additional professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology at RCC, and was appointed as Medical Superintendent of CCRC in 2017 on deputation.He is having more than 24 years of experience in Oncology. 
Dr Balagopal graduated from Government Medical College, Trivandrum. He did his MS in General Surgery and MCh in Neurosurgery from the same centre. He joined RCC in 2001 as lecturer in Department of Surgical Oncology. He has more 100 publications in both national and international journals and played a major role in preparing the detailed project report of CCRC.
Dr Balagopal is the recepient of NCI Fellowship , UICC- ICRETt, Fellowship and IACA fellowships and underwent training in Oncology at Johns Hopkins University, University of MIlwaukee , USA. He has written 9 books in oncology and the ill effects of tobacco.He was given state best doctor award by IMA in 2021, science literature award by Govt of Kerala and P Kesavadev Award by P Kesavadev trust in 2015.
He is also member of State Government’s committee to study the impact of tobacco use among higher secondary schools students and is member of Government of India ‘s initiative to Digitally connected Tribal colonies in the Country. Dr Balagopal’s name was suggested by an expert committee consisting of Dr RA Badwe, Director Tata Cancer Centre, Dr Ravi Kannan recepient of Maganaswe award, Dr Lokesh, Director of Kidwai Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, Dr Satheesan BalaSubramaniyam, Director Malabar Cancer Centre.
