2026 Elaine H. Snyder Cancer Research Award

Background

This award is given annually to the GWU SMHS researcher or researchers who have made the “most outstanding contribution to cancer research during the past twelve months”.  The Committee interprets cancer research as including laboratory studies, clinical, behavioral, and population-based research focused on novel mechanisms to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.  The Committee considers “outstanding contributions” to include the individuals’ own research and efforts of the individual to expand cancer research and activities throughout the institution.

Prize Funds

This award provides research funding for one year from the Elaine H. Snyder Endowment. These funds are approximately $25,000.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A regular, full-time faculty member of GW SMHS who in the judgment of the nominator has made a significant contribution to cancer research at GW-SMHS during the previous 12 months. 
  • Performed a body of research at GW.
  • Scholarly achievements in the field of cancer research measured by publications, funded research, professional awards, and the significance of contributions to their discipline
  • Proposed use of funds, and capacity for future contributions to the field of cancer research.
  • Prior receipients of this award are ineligible

Nomination Materials (self-nominations are welcome; nominations will be solicited from Chairs and faculty at large):

  1. One nomination letter focusing on the candidate’s research track record and potential
  2. Candidate’s research impact statement that focuses on how their scholarly achievements have contributed to the field of cancer in the past 12 months (1 page)
  3. Candidate’s curriculum vitae
  4. Candidate’s plans for utilization of the Snyder funds for cancer research (1 page)
     

 

 Nomination Deadline: October 15, 2026

Please send the above materials to Sara Van Dommelen at slv15 [at] gwu [dot] edu (slv15[at]gwu[dot]edu).  Nominations will be reviewed by the SMHS Committee on Research plus the GWCC scientific program leads.  The recipient of this award will be honored at the Faculty Awards Ceremony (held late fall or early spring). 
Previous award recipients:
 

Previous Award Recipients

2014  Yang Liu (Cancer Immunology)
2015 Javad Nazarian (CNMC Ped Onc)
2016 Catherine Bollard (CNMC Peds;   MITM)
2018 Alex Tzatsos (Anatomy & Cell Biology)
2019 Lopa Mishra (Surgery)
2021 Rohan Fernandes (Medicine)
2022 Wenge Zhu (Biochemistry & Mol. Med)
2023 Kate Chiappinelli (MITM, Cancer Center)
2024 Marie Borum (Internal & Geriatric Med)
2025 Vishal Patel (Dermatology, Oncology)