AACR Congratulates Dr. Monica Bertagnolli on Nomination as NCI Director

PHILADELPHIA – Today, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) applauded President Biden’s nomination of Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, as Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

“Dr. Bertagnolli brings impressive qualifications to this vital position, including her background as an outstanding physician-scientist and much admired professor,” said Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), chief executive officer of the AACR. “Her appreciation for the value and importance of basic research to advancing translational and clinical discoveries, as well as her commitment to ensuring that such treatment innovations reach patients in all populations across the United States, will ensure that the NCI continues to lead the way in programs aimed at improving health, preventing cancer, and reducing the incidence and mortality from this devastating disease.”

Bertagnolli is the Richard E. Wilson Professor of Surgery in the field of surgical oncology at Harvard Medical School, and professor and member of the Gastrointestinal Cancer and Sarcoma Disease Centers at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center. She is a renowned surgical oncologist who specializes in the research and treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. An AACR member since 1996, Bertagnolli is currently a member of the AACR’s Tumor Microenvironment Working Group and Women in Cancer Research membership group. She has also served as chair and committee member on numerous award and grant review committees for the AACR.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Bertagnolli on her appointment as the next NCI Director,” said AACR President Lisa M. Coussens, PhD, FAACR. “The AACR looks forward to collaborating with her in support of the NCI’s many initiatives, including increasing diversity in cancer research, furthering the education and training of the cancer research workforce, improving funding across the cancer continuum, and working together with NCI-designated cancer centers to solve the biggest problems in cancer.”