Robert H. Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, a Fellow of the AACR Academy, has been elected President-Elect of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) for the 2026–2027 term. His appointment marks a significant moment for the global oncology community, reflecting both his longstanding contributions to cancer research and his leadership within one of the world’s most influential oncology organizations.
His term as President-Elect will officially begin on April 20, 2026, during the AACR Annual Business Meeting of Members, held in conjunction with the AACR Annual Meeting in San Diego. He is expected to assume the role of President during the 2027 AACR Annual Meeting in Orlando.
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and accelerating progress toward the prevention and cure of cancer. Founded in 1907, AACR brings together more than 61,000 members across over 140 countries, including laboratory scientists, clinical researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates.
The current AACR President for 2025–2026 is Dr. Lillian L. Siu, with Dr. Keith T. Flaherty serving as President-Elect and Dr. Patricia M. LoRusso as Past President, while Dr. Margaret Foti leads the organization as Chief Executive Officer.
Through its extensive programs, AACR supports cutting-edge research, publishes leading peer-reviewed journals, organizes major scientific meetings such as the AACR Annual Meeting, and plays a central role in shaping global cancer policy and education. Its mission focuses on fostering innovation, collaboration, and the rapid translation of scientific discoveries into improved outcomes for patients worldwide
A Leader in Cancer Immunotherapy and Translational Research
Dr. Vonderheide currently serves as the Director of the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the John H. Glick, MD Professorship at the Perelman School of Medicine. Over the past decades, he has established himself as an internationally recognized leader in cancer immunotherapy, with a strong focus on translating scientific discoveries into clinical advances.His work has been instrumental in shaping modern immuno-oncology, particularly in understanding tumor-immune interactions and developing novel therapeutic strategies. Through both laboratory and clinical research, he has contributed to advancing the field toward more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
Robert H. Vonderheide and AACR
Dr. Vonderheide’s election reflects years of active engagement with AACR’s mission and leadership. He has held multiple key roles within the organization, including serving on the AACR Board of Directors, chairing the AACR Annual Meeting Program Committee, and contributing as deputy editor of Cancer Immunology Research
AACR CEO Margaret Foti emphasized his impact, noting that his sustained contributions to AACR’s scientific and organizational efforts have been instrumental in advancing its global mission. His leadership has consistently focused on fostering collaboration, promoting scientific excellence, and supporting the next generation of cancer researchers.
A Vision for the Future of Oncology Research
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Vonderheide is widely recognized for his dedication to mentorship and academic leadership. His career reflects a commitment not only to advancing cancer science but also to building a strong and collaborative research community.
As AACR President-Elect and future President, he is expected to play a central role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction at a time when oncology is rapidly evolving. With continued progress in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and translational science, his leadership comes at a critical moment for the field.