Renowned Leader William N. Hait Appointed as Chief Scientific Advisor of the AACR

On April 23, 2025, The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) announced the appointment of Dr. William N. Hait, MD, PhD, FAACR, as its Chief Scientific Advisor. A distinguished physician-scientist and former AACR President, Dr. Hait brings decades of leadership in oncology, spanning academia, industry, and public health.

Photo from AACR/X

“I am honored to serve as the Chief Scientific Advisor for AACR, an organization that I have been involved in and admired for many years. I hope that my experience in both academia and industry will allow me to provide meaningful advice to an organization dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer.” – said William N. Hait

William N. Hait: A Visionary Role in Advancing Cancer Research

In his new capacity, Dr. Hait will provide strategic guidance to AACR’s scientific programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission to prevent and cure all cancers. His responsibilities include advising on emerging trends in cancer science, recommending innovative programs, and fostering collaborations across key stakeholders in the cancer research community.​

Dr. Hait will also chair AACR’s Scientific Advisory Council, a body of national and international experts dedicated to accelerating advances against cancer.

“We are deeply honored to welcome Dr. Hait as Chief Scientific Advisor to AACR. His vast expertise in cancer science and clinical research, deep understanding of the evolving biomedical research landscape, and unwavering commitment to developing therapeutics for patient benefit will enhance our ability to serve the cancer community and accelerate progress against cancer. We look forward to working with Dr. Hait in his new capacity as our organization continues to expand its role as the global leader in advancing cancer research, fostering collaboration, and improving outcomes for patients around the world.​” – said AACR CEO Margaret Foti

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Dr. Hait’s association with AACR dates back to 1986. He served as AACR President from 2007 to 2008, during which he launched the Translational Cancer Medicine series of Special Conferences and co-chaired the steering committee for the Cancer Biomarkers Collaborative. He was elected AACR treasurer in 2010, a role he will hold until the AACR Annual Meeting 2025. ​

Beyond AACR, Dr. Hait has held prominent positions in both academia and industry. He served as Chief of Medical Oncology at Yale School of Medicine and was the founding director of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s first and only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. In the pharmaceutical industry, he was the global head of Janssen Research and Development and held executive roles at Johnson & Johnson, leading the development of 20 breakthrough products. 

Recognized Excellence

Dr. Hait’s contributions to cancer research have been widely recognized. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2025 AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research, which will be presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025. ​

You can also read William N. Hait to Receive 2025 AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership in Cancer Research, on OncoDaily

Looking Ahead

Dr. Hait’s appointment as Chief Scientific Advisor comes at a pivotal time for AACR, as the organization continues to expand its role in advancing cancer research globally. His extensive experience and visionary leadership are expected to significantly contribute to AACR’s mission and the broader fight against cancer.​

For more information on Dr. Hait’s appointment and the AACR’s initiatives, visit the AACR Newsroom.

Written by Md Foorquan Hashmi, MD, Sr. Editor, OncoDaily: India Bureau