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On Saturday, October 30, 2021, the National Foundation for Cancer Research conducted its largest ever single day of programming.

Titled A Day to Celebrate Cancer Research Progress & Entrepreneurship, the event featured a who’s who of world-renowned cancer scientists, research oncologists and life sciences industry executives and investors. Achievements made in the cancer research field were recognized, while discussions and presentations focused on next-generation technologies being developed to better treat, prevent and detect the disease.

Held at the National Press Club in front of an in-person audience and streamed live to an online one, the Day consisted of a trio of educational and celebration activities. The morning and mid-afternoon Think Tank Forum on Translational Cancer Research and Investments in Oncology included a keynote presentation by U.S. National Cancer Institute Principal Deputy Director Doug Lowy and three panel discussions.  

The early afternoon Luncheon and Fireside Chat on Women’s Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Mentorship in Life Sciences featured a presentation by Microsoft Vice President for Health and Life Sciences Patty Obermaier and a discussion among and about women scientist-entrepreneurs.

And the evening Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research Award Ceremony recognized Albert Einstein College of Medicine Professor Emerita Susan Horwitz, Stanford School of Medicine Professor Mark Davis and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Senior Scientist and University of Toronto Professor Tak Mak with one of the most prestigious honors in the field of cancer research.

So much more work is ahead of NFCR and the entire cancer research community. But praise for the Day from its participants and audiences has been remarkable, including from Harvard Medical School Professor Raju Kucherlapati, moderator of the Think Tank Forum panel, “Precision Medicine in Cancer,” who exclaimed, “It was just great: inspiring, challenging and yet hopeful. In short, perfect!”

If you attended this event, either virtually or in person, please consider taking this brief survey to provide us with feedback on how we can improve. Thank you!

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