Celebrating Scientific Excellence: AACR Announces 2025 Award Recipients

Each year, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) honors exceptional scientists and clinicians who are driving progress against cancer. The 2025 AACR Scientific Achievement Awards recognize leaders whose innovations have transformed cancer research, treatment, and global health equity.

The awards will be presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025, taking place April 25–30 in Chicago—an event that unites thousands of cancer experts from around the world to share cutting-edge science and fuel new collaborations.

Let’s take a look at the remarkable individuals and teams being honored this year.

Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research

Rakesh K. Jain, PhD, FAACR
Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts General Hospital

A pioneer in cancer biology, Dr. Jain is celebrated for his revolutionary work on the tumor microenvironment and the concept of vascular normalization. His discoveries have changed how we deliver cancer therapies and improved outcomes for countless patients.

Outstanding Achievement in Basic Cancer Research

Han Liang, PhD
MD Anderson Cancer Center

Dr. Liang’s groundbreaking contributions in cancer bioinformatics and pan-cancer analysis have made him a leader in computational oncology. His work continues to unlock powerful insights hidden in large-scale cancer data.

Outstanding Achievement in Blood Cancer Research

Louis M. Staudt, MD, PhD, FAACR
National Cancer Institute

Dr. Staudt is recognized for defining the molecular subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), laying the groundwork for targeted therapies like ibrutinib and reshaping treatment for blood cancers.

Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry in Cancer Research

Shiva Malek, PhD
Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research

At the forefront of drug discovery, Dr. Malek is honored for her work in kinase signaling and drug resistance—research that is enabling more effective and durable cancer treatments.

Outstanding Contributions to Education and Training

Robert C. Bast Jr., MD
MD Anderson Cancer Center

With a lifelong commitment to mentorship, Dr. Bast has helped train generations of cancer researchers and built training programs that have shaped the future of oncology.

Outstanding Achievement in Pathology

Matthew L. Meyerson, MD, PhD, FAACR
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dr. Meyerson has led key discoveries in cancer genetics, diagnostics, and the microbiome, offering new tools to better understand, detect, and treat cancer.

Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research

William N. Hait, MD, PhD, FAACR
Janssen Research & Development / Johnson & Johnson

A global leader in cancer drug development, Dr. Hait is recognized for championing precision medicine and shaping the future of cancer care through innovation and collaboration.

Team Science Award

MSK-IMPACT Team
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

This team is honored for transforming cancer genomics with the MSK-IMPACT next-generation sequencing platform, which has analyzed more than 125,000 tumors and become a cornerstone of precision oncology. They will be recognized at the Opening Ceremony on April 27.

Additional Award Categories & Honorees

Epidemiology and Prevention

Loïc Le Marchand, MD, PhD, MPH
University of Hawaii Cancer Center
For groundbreaking work on genetic, behavioral, and environmental cancer risk factors in diverse populations, notably through the Multiethnic Cohort Study.

Cancer Immunology

Crystal L. Mackall, MD, FAACR
Stanford University
For advancing CAR T-cell therapies and uncovering resistance mechanisms, with a profound impact on pediatric cancer patients.

Endocrinology and Metabolism

Daniel J. Drucker, MD
University of Toronto
For elucidating the functions of glucagon-like peptides, shaping therapies for diabetes, obesity, and possibly cancer.

Clinical Cancer Research

Alice T. Shaw, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital
For pioneering targeted treatments for ALK- and ROS1-positive lung cancers that have improved patient outcomes worldwide.

Health Equity and Minority Health Research

Christopher R. Flowers, MD
University of Texas MD Anderson
For tackling disparities in lymphoma outcomes and ensuring more inclusive clinical trials.

Telomere Biology and Aging

Ronald A. DePinho, MD, FAACR
MD Anderson Cancer Center
For uncovering the links between telomere dysfunction, aging, and cancer, informing new treatment approaches.

Pediatric Cancer Research

Charles G. Mullighan, MBBS, MSc, MD
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
For genomic discoveries that have redefined childhood leukemia classification and led to precision medicine approaches.

Translational and Clinical Research

Toni K. Choueiri, MD
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
For advancing kidney cancer therapies through landmark trials and biomarker discovery.

Women in Cancer Research

Shelley L. Berger, PhD, FAACR
University of Pennsylvania
For foundational work in epigenetics and tireless mentorship of women in science.

International Impact

Douglas Hanahan, PhD, FAACR
Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research
For his influential tumor models that continue to shape therapeutic development worldwide.

Stay Inspired and Engaged

The AACR Annual Meeting 2025 highlights groundbreaking achievements in cancer research. Let these awardees’ contributions drive us forward in the fight against cancer.

Don’t miss the award lectures from April 27–29, 2025, in Chicago.

For more insights, follow OncoDaily for exclusive interviews and updates from the frontlines of cancer research.

Together, we’re advancing the fight against cancer.