The AACR Academy amplifies the AACR’s authoritative voice in the cancer research community by harnessing the innovative thinking of all of its Fellows to catalyze progress against cancer. Each new class of Fellows recognizes distinguished scientists for their groundbreaking achievements in cancer research and cancer-related biomedical science.

Guiding the Cancer Moonshot

The AACR Academy’s leading role in the cancer community was evident in April 2016 when the National Cancer Institute formed a Blue Ribbon Panel to provide scientific direction to Vice President Joe Biden’s National Cancer Moonshot Initiative. The 28-member panel, which served as a working group of the presidentially appointed National Cancer Advisory Board, included three AACR Fellows: James P. Allison, PhD; Charles L. Sawyers, MD; and Tyler Jacks, PhD (right), who was appointed cochair of the panel. Under Dr. Jacks’s leadership, the panel delivered a report in September 2016 containing ten actionable recommendations to support the Moonshot’s goal of stimulating a decade’s worth of scientific advances in five years.

Class of 2016 Induction

At a ceremony on the evening before the Annual Meeting in New Orleans, the 2016 class of Fellows of the AACR Academy was formally inducted. The class included (left to right): Joan Massagué, PhD; Joe W. Gray, PhD; Sir David P. Lane, PhD; and John E. Dick, PhD, FRS.

class of 2016

Bruce M. Alberts, PhD, FAACR

Thomas R. Cech, PhD, FAACR

Joe W. Gray, PhD, FAACR

Eric S. Lander, PhD, FAACR

Henry T. Lynch, MD, FACP, FAACR

While groundbreaking investigation is critical to continued progress against cancer, dedication and collaboration make that progress possible. The 2016 AACR Scientific Achievement Awards and Lectureships recognized exceptional scientists both for their scientific innovation and for their commitment to the cancer community.

For example, the 2016 AACR Margaret Foti Award—which honors members of the cancer community for their leadership and extraordinary achievements—was presented to Waun Ki Hong, MD, FAACR. A Past President and Fellow of the AACR Academy, Dr. Hong was recognized for his seminal contributions to translational, clinical, and preventive cancer research; for his dedicated mentorship of several generations of young investigators; and for his visionary leadership in the area of science policy.

In addition, the 2016 AACR Team Science Award—which recognizes collaborative scientists who build interdisciplinary teams to accelerate progress for cancer patients—honored the Women’s Health Initiative Team for its 20-year collaboration dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and other common causes of death and disability for postmenopausal women. Bringing together hundreds of investigators from more than 45 institutions, the team has conducted studies involving more than 161,000 women that have made significant contributions to public health.

2016 Scientific Achievement Award Recipients and Lecturers

2016 AACR G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award

Vishva M. Dixit, MD

AACR Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Research

Franziska Michor, PhD

AACR Joseph H. Burchenal Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Cancer Research

John C. Byrd, MD

AACR-Women in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Memorial Lectureship

Angelika Amon, PhD

AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research

Robert A. Weinberg, PhD, FAACR

AACR Margaret Foti Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research

Waun Ki Hong, MD, FACP, DMSc, FAACR

AACR Princess Takamatsu Memorial Lectureship

William G. Kaelin Jr., MD, FAACR