Dr. Catharine G. Young – 2025 Yvonne Leadership Award Recipient

The Yvonne Awards 2025, presented by OncoDaily during the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, have become a much-awaited tradition in global oncology, honoring excellence, leadership, and advocacy. This inspiring event, known for its unique blend of celebration and purpose, took place once again on the Friday night of ASCO 2025 in Chicago, alongside the OncoDaily Party, forming what has now become a hallmark of the oncology calendar.

With the Chicago Riverwalk as its scenic backdrop, the 2025 ceremony brought together oncologists, researchers, advocates, and leaders worldwide. The Yvonne Awards – named in tribute to a legacy of courage and mentorship—have, over the years, established a meaningful platform to spotlight individuals who drive change and elevate the cancer care community. Building on the tradition, this year’s event continued to highlight voices that challenge the status quo, mentor across generations, and push the boundaries of science and humanity in oncology.

Dr. Catharine G. Young: 2025 Yvonne Leadership Award Winner

This year’s Yvonne Leadership Award is presented to Dr. Catharine G. Young, a distinguished science policy leader whose visionary work at the intersection of oncology, government, and global health has reshaped national cancer strategy and advanced equity-focused initiatives worldwide. Her leadership in the Biden Cancer Moonshot and commitment to rare cancer advocacy continue to influence cancer policy at the highest levels.

Academic and Scientific Foundations

Born in South Africa, Dr. Catharine G. Young earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Missouri, followed by postdoctoral training in Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for a multidisciplinary career that would blend neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and policy.

Early in her scientific journey, she was selected as a TED Fellow for her pioneering work on memory and brain function. This recognition signaled her emerging influence in translating complex research into accessible science communication and policy relevance.

Bridging Science, Security, and Diplomacy

As an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow, Dr. Young joined the U.S. Department of Defense’s Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Defense Programs. In this capacity, she played an integral role in shaping national responses to global health threats, including the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Her work spanned biosurveillance, biothreat preparedness, and the interface between science and diplomacy.

She later led the Washington, D.C. office of the UK Foreign Ministry’s Science & Innovation Network, where she directed transatlantic collaboration on critical scientific and technological issues.

Championing Cancer Policy and Rare Disease Advocacy

In 2017, Dr. Catharine G. Young became the Senior Director of Science Policy at the Biden Cancer Initiative. There, she forged strategic alliances across academia, biotechnology, and government to accelerate cancer breakthroughs, particularly in rare cancers. Her advocacy efforts helped center patient voices in national policy discussions.

As Executive Director and Chief Foundation Officer of the SHEPHERD Foundation, she spearheaded rare cancer awareness campaigns and helped drive legislative efforts, including the Rare Cancer Awareness, Treatment, and Research Act of 2020. Her leadership demonstrated how policy, philanthropy, and research can align to serve underserved patient populations.

Advancing the Cancer Moonshot and Global Equity

Dr. Catharine G. Young currently serves at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as Assistant (and formerly Deputy Assistant) Director for Cancer Moonshot Engagement and Policy. In this role, she leads efforts to fulfill the Biden administration’s ambitious goal of reducing cancer mortality by 50% over 25 years.

Her leadership also extends internationally. She was instrumental in organizing the White House Africa Cancer Care Forum, which convened delegations from ten African nations and catalyzed over $100 million in new commitments toward global cancer care. Additionally, she led U.S. engagement in the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a multilateral collaboration with India, Japan, and Australia focused on eliminating cervical cancer.

Recognition and Advocacy for Inclusion

Dr. Catharine G. Young has received numerous honors throughout her career, including being named a TED Fellow, a New Voices Fellow of the National Academies, and a Presidential Leadership Scholar. She has also been recognized among the Social Enablers’ Top 100 Most Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs.

Beyond her policy and scientific leadership, she is a vocal advocate for women in science and medicine. Through contributions to TED-Ed, The Guardian, and global science platforms, Dr. Young promotes equitable representation in STEM and champions emerging leaders across disciplines.

Why Dr. Catharine G. Young Embodies the Yvonne Leadership Award

Dr. Young’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of visionary policy. She has not only helped define the national agenda on cancer but has also ensured it is grounded in equity and global cooperation. Her ability to bridge sectors government, science, diplomacy, and civil society has made her a powerful force in shaping inclusive, results-oriented cancer policy.

Her recognition as the 2025 Yvonne Leadership Award recipient is a testament to her enduring impact on the cancer community and her unwavering commitment to turning vision into action.

Yvonne Awards 2025: Honoring Global Oncology Leaders at ASCO’s Most Inspiring Night

Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD