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Award Recipients Honored at AACR 115th Anniversary Event in Washington, D.C.

September 22, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) honored numerous esteemed individuals and organizations during the AACR 115th Anniversary Event in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, September 21, for their outstanding achievements in advancing cancer research. More than 250 guests from the cancer research field attended the event hosted by Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), Chief Executive Officer of the AACR.   

The awardees recognized at last night’s event are listed below.

The AACR Outstanding Achievement Award for Service to Cancer Science and Medicine was presented to:
  • The Pezcoller Foundation; President, Enzo Galligioni, MD; and Distinguished Former Presidents in honor of sustained international efforts to recognize, promote, and support cutting-edge cancer research.
  • Stand Up To Cancer; President, Dr. Russell Chew; the SU2C Founders and Advisors; and the Scientific Advisory Committee in honor of sustained dedication to raising significant funds in support of innovative translational cancer research to improve patient care since SU2C’s inception in 2008.
  • AstraZeneca and Chief Executive Officer, Pascal Soriot,in honor of sustained dedication to advances in innovative cancer research, development of novel therapeutics, delivery of life-changing medicines to patients worldwide, and generous support of AACR programs and activities.
The AACR Outstanding Achievement Award in Public Service, Cancer Research, and Advocacy was presented to:
  • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and President and Chief Executive Officer, Louis J. DeGennaro, PhD, in honor of steadfast commitment to promoting and supporting advances in blood cancer research and patient care.
  • The St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of steadfast commitment to the support of advances in childhood cancer research and improved patient care.
  • Frances M. Visco, JD, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, in honor of trailblazing and relentless efforts to establish the cancer patient advocacy movement that has significantly increased public awareness and support for research advances against cancer.
The AACR Distinguished Service Award for Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research, Science Policy, and Advocacy was presented to:
  • Anna D. Barker, PhD, FAACR, Chief Strategy Officer of the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, in honor of visionary contributions to cancer research that have revolutionized the field, for exceptional stewardship in science and public policy, and for extraordinary leadership of the AACR Scientist↔Survivor program that has fostered synergies between the scientific community and hundreds of national and international patient advocates.
The AACR Award for Distinguished Public Service and Global Impact in Cancer Research and Biomedical Science was presented to:
  • Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), in honor of exceptional congressional service and unparalleled support of vital medical research funding for the benefit of public health.
The AACR Distinguished Public Service Award for Extraordinary Leadership in Medical Research was presented to:
  • Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, Acting Science Advisor to President Biden and Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, in honor of exceptional leadership and sustained contributions to science and technology advancements during his long tenure as director of the National Institutes of Health that have significantly transformed medical research and cancer research and patient care.
The AACR Distinguished Public Service Award for Exceptional Advocacy in Support of Medical Research was presented to:
  • Jed Manocherian, Founder and Chairman of ACT for NIH, in honor of sustained efforts to advocate for medical research funding to improve public health.
The AACR Distinguished Congressional Champion Award for Extraordinary Support of Medical Research was presented to:
  • Representative Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut), and Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington), in honor of exceptional congressional leadership and support for vital medical research funding for the benefit of public health.


“Our special 115th anniversary represents a unique opportunity to spotlight the powerful impact of AACR and its mission on cancer patients worldwide; to reflect upon our spectacular history that parallels the evolution of the cancer research field; and to celebrate the many lifesaving breakthroughs that have revolutionized cancer treatment since AACR’s founding,” said Foti. “We are pleased to honor individuals who have played a key role in accelerating advances against cancer and who have dedicated their careers to speeding the pace of progress against this dread disease that still affects so many.”