Gilberto Lopes, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Chief of the Division of Medical Oncology and Associate Director and Medical Director for International Programmes at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, has been named a candidate for UICC President-elect for the 2026–2028 term.
Dr Lopes currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), chairs the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition, and is Editor Emeritus of JCO Global Oncology.
The new UICC President-elect will be elected by UICC full-member organisations as part of the 2026 UICC General Assembly, which will take place virtually on October 20, 2026.
Electronic voting will open on October 13, 2026, and close during the General Assembly on October 20.
UICC President-elect Election 2026: Meet the Candidates
Gilberto Lopes’ Career in Global Oncology
Trained in Brazil and the United States, Dr Lopes is a medical oncologist whose work spans clinical trials, health technology assessment, health economics, and global cancer policy.
Throughout his career, he has focused on reducing the gap between advances in cancer care and the ability of patients worldwide to access those advances.
He has led international clinical studies that contributed to bringing new cancer treatments to patients globally and has authored more than 300 scientific publications. His research has focused on treatment access, value, pricing, and affordability of cancer medicines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
As Chair of the ATOM Coalition, Dr Lopes has helped develop initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality-assured cancer medicines and diagnostics. Under his leadership, the coalition has delivered cancer medicines across dozens of countries through partnerships with healthcare organisations and stakeholders.
He also advises governments, the World Health Organization (WHO), and patient organisations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America on cancer care access and policy.
Why Gilberto Lopes Is Running for UICC President
In his candidate statement, Dr Lopes highlighted his long-standing focus on transforming cancer control commitments into measurable improvements for patients.
He said his career has been dedicated to “closing the distance between what cancer control and management can do and what most people actually receive.”
Reflecting on his experience from clinical practice in Brazil to international oncology initiatives, Dr Lopes emphasised the importance of collaboration across borders and sectors.
“That work has reached scale only because people and organisations cooperated across borders, sectors, and incomes.”
Dr Lopes said UICC has a unique role in bringing together the global cancer community and translating evidence into action across countries.
He highlighted access to cancer medicines, stronger health systems, earlier diagnosis, and equitable care as key priorities for the organisation’s next decade.
“I want to lead UICC because the next decade is decisive.”
Priorities for the Future of UICC
If elected President, Dr Lopes said he would focus on advancing UICC’s Strategy 2026–2036 through measurable actions across cancer control.
A central priority would be improving access to essential cancer medicines and diagnostics, building on his work with the ATOM Coalition.
He also highlighted the importance of helping countries strengthen cancer financing and ensuring that cancer control remains part of national health priorities.
“My presidency will deliver on UICC’s Strategy 2026–2036 with specific, public accountability against the World Cancer Declaration’s targets.”
Another focus of his vision is increasing representation and leadership opportunities for cancer professionals and advocates from low- and middle-income countries.
Dr Lopes said that global cancer control requires stronger involvement of leaders from all regions, particularly those working in settings where cancer burdens are increasing rapidly.
Bringing Global Oncology Experience to UICC Leadership
Dr Lopes highlighted his experience working across healthcare systems, research institutions, professional organisations, and international partnerships as a foundation for his candidacy.
He described himself as a bridge between different regions and healthcare realities, bringing experience from both high-income and low- and middle-income settings.
“I am Brazilian and American — a working bridge between the Global North’s resources and the Global South’s need, and I have spent twenty-five years building the relationships this presidency requires from day one.”
Through his work in clinical research, cancer policy, and access initiatives, Dr Lopes said he aims to help UICC strengthen its role as a global organisation representing more than 1,100 member organisations across 170 countries.
UICC President-elect Election 2026
The 2026 UICC election will determine the organisation’s next President-elect and Board leadership for the 2026–2028 term.
UICC full-member organisations will vote during the virtual General Assembly on October 20, 2026, following the opening of electronic voting on October 13.
The elected leadership will guide UICC’s efforts to advance cancer prevention, improve access to care, strengthen health systems, and support global collaboration during the organisation’s next strategic period.
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