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):
- One nomination letter focusing on the candidate’s research track record and potential
- 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)
- Candidate’s curriculum vitae
- 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) |