LOS ANGELES– The first Stephenson Global Prize has been awarded to Dr. Frank McCormick, a pioneering scientist whose discoveries have transformed the understanding of RAS-driven cancers. The $1 million award, the largest privately funded initiative in pancreatic cancer research, honors a lifetime of achievement by scientists whose work has redefined the field and continues to inspire new breakthroughs.
Dr. McCormick, Professor at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and the David A. Wood Chair of Tumor Biology and Cancer Research, is recognized for uncovering how mutations in the KRAS gene — found in more than 90 percent of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas — disrupt the body’s natural regulation of cell growth. His discoveries laid the foundation for therapies targeting KRAS, once thought impossible to develop. He also launched the National Cancer Institute’s RAS Initiative in 2013 at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, a program that catalyzed a new generation of KRAS-targeted therapies and gave the pharmaceutical industry the confidence to invest in drug discovery programs that are now delivering promising treatments.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful,” said Dr. McCormick. “Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases we face, and I’m honored to be part of a community working to change that. I plan to share this prize with my lab, where we are exploring new ways to target KRAS mutations and advance therapies that could make a real difference for patients.”
The Stephenson Global Prize is part of a $150 million philanthropic initiative launched by A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand in honor of Toni Stephenson, their late wife and mother. The initiative also established the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI). By honoring innovation in early detection, prevention, treatment, translational research, and scientific discovery, the prize embodies SGPCRI’s mission to accelerate progress against pancreatic cancer through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to patients.
“We created this prize to honor the scientists who have dedicated their careers to fighting this disease,” said Tessa Stephenson Brand. “Pancreatic cancer had an enormous impact on our family. This is our way of fueling progress and hope for the thousands of other families who can’t afford to wait any longer.”
“There has never been a more important time for private philanthropy to step up in the fight against pancreatic cancer,” added Emmet Stephenson Jr. “This prize is about investing in people who are making a difference and giving them the freedom to pursue bold ideas that could lead to life-saving breakthroughs.”
Dr. McCormick was selected from a pool of nominees submitted by leading cancer centers and research institutions around the world. The selection process was guided by an independent advisory committee chaired by Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, senior physician-scientist at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and City of Hope. “Few scientists have altered the course of cancer research the way Dr. McCormick has,” said Dr. Von Hoff. “His insights into RAS and KRAS biology have transformed our understanding and enabled therapies once deemed impossible. His contributions are truly transformative.”
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. and has the lowest five-year survival rate, at just 13 percent. Despite this, federal funding for pancreatic cancer research remains disproportionately low compared with other cancers. The Stephenson Global Prize provides unrestricted support to researchers tackling this gap, fueling the kind of innovation needed to change the trajectory of the disease.
Dr. McCormick, who served as President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) from 2012–2013 and is an elected Fellow of the AACR Academy, will receive the prize at the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research in Boston, Sept. 28–Oct. 1. The award presentation and his lecture will take place on Sept. 30.
“AACR is delighted that Dr. McCormick is being honored with the prestigious Stephenson Global Prize as it underscores the critical importance of investing in visionary science,” said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of AACR. “His work exemplifies the innovation and collaboration needed to accelerate progress against pancreatic cancer and improve outcomes for patients everywhere.”
Jennifer Chun Kim, Executive Director of SGPCRI, added, “By honoring transformative contributions in pancreatic cancer research, the Stephenson Global Prize not only celebrates achievement but also inspires perseverance, fuels hope, and accelerates progress against this devastating disease.”
