NFCR Global Summit

and Award Ceremonies For Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship

Friday, October 9, 2026 | The National Press Club, Washington, DC

The NFCR Global Summit is where the brightest minds from across the cancer research ecosystem unite to shape the future of the fight against cancer. This unique event is more than just a conference—it’s a dynamic think tank where groundbreaking ideas are sparked through organic, unscripted discussions. New partnerships form every year, collaborations are strengthened, and impactful action plans are created.

Honoree

HONORING: Dr. Michele Carbone

University of Hawaii Cancer Center

2026 Szent-Györgyi Prize Winner

Keynote

Dr. Bruce Beutler

2011 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physiology or Medicine

Program Overview

Part I — Scientific Symposium Focus on AI Molecular Twins: Redefining Cancer Prediction, Early Detection, and Precision Care

AI, computational biology, and Molecular Twins technologies are transforming how we predict, detect, and treat cancer. Discover how data-driven precision medicine is bringing us closer to earlier interventions and better outcomes for every patient.

Part II — AIM-HI Leadership & Entrepreneurship Forum

Breakthrough discoveries need bold leaders and smart capital to reach patients. This forum explores how entrepreneurship, strategic investment, and collaborative ecosystems are accelerating the next generation of cancer innovation.

Part III — Szent-Györgyi Prize Dinner & Award Ceremony

The summit’s grand finale: a black-tie celebration honoring Dr. Michele Carbone, whose groundbreaking discoveries have reshaped our understanding of cancer. Join us in celebrating the courage, perseverance, and scientific vision that move medicine forward.

Testimonials

“The NFCR Global Summit is a different kind of meeting, which is what makes it so impactful. It's an immersive experience. It's where top global leaders, from all areas in cancer, all brainstorm together to develop next-level new approaches and form new partnerships. The spirit of this meeting is very uplifting.” -Drew Pardoll, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
“I was very impressed by everything I heard. I found the presented research to be of really high quality and very innovative. This is very refreshing, and, in my opinion, sets AIM-HI and NFCR apart in a very good way.” -Isidore Rigoutsos, Ph.D., Director, Center for Computational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University
“Let me state right at the beginning that if I don’t attend another great conference for the next few years, I will not mind it because of what I was just given the opportunity to attend. Thank you very much for giving me such a prominent slot in the morning panel among some incredible women in the field. It was a humbling experience to be in the company of so many outstanding and accomplished. Congratulations on organizing a totally mind-blowing NFCR Global Summit and collecting a constellation of shining stars under one roof for several days! Besides the talks and panel discussions, the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with others was deeply appreciated. I also loved the way you mixed hard science, heartbreaking oncology stories, and glamorous dinners.” -Azra Raza, M.D., Chan Soon-Shiong Professor of Medicine, Columbia University in New York
“Absolutely wonderful, inspirational meeting…thanks so much to everyone involved and to NFCR for making it possible for us to get together. I am grateful to be included!” - Monica Bertagnolli, M.D.
“The Women’s Leadership Forum was spectacular and the chemistry between all of the people on the podium and the energy was wonderful. It was inspirational to all and especially young women who were there and might have been watching.” -Dr. Raju Kucherlapati

Why Should You Attend This Event?

This high-impact gathering is designed to spark breakthroughs and forge powerful partnerships.
Collaborate, network, and contribute to the search for cures across all cancer types.
Unite with diverse leaders and advocates who share a common mission: advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes.

Featured Programs

New Frontiers for Cancer Research

This Scientific Symposium brings together world-class cancer researchers and experts in oncology to share their challenges and findings. We aim to facilitate future collaborations and information sharing across institutions through keynote speeches and panel discussions on key research areas.

This forum helps our research community remain at the cutting edge of science, where breakthroughs become new drugs and technologies to best detect and treat cancer.

Learn More About Our Cancer Research Programs

Scenes from our 2025 New Frontiers for Cancer Research Sessions

Leadership Forum

Forum topics include the direction of the healthcare industry, the traits that characterize business leaders, and how young entrepreneurs in STEM can best prepare themselves as future leaders.

Biotech investment veterans exchange opinions on hot topics in oncology and provide advice to start-up companies seeking institutional funding.

Learn More About the AIM-HI Initiatives

Scenes from our 2025 Leadership Forums

Szent-Györgyi Prize Award Ceremony

The Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress for Cancer Research is the principal scientific program of the National Foundation for Cancer Research. Named in honor of our Co-Founder and Noble Laureate, Albert Szent-Györgyi, this award recognizes scientists whose seminal discovery or pioneering body of work has had a lasting impact on understanding cancer and holds the promise of improving or saving the lives of cancer patients.

The Award Ceremony is celebrated with a cocktail reception and dinner (black-tie optional). The prize honorees will give a speech highlighting their award-winning accomplishments and their impacts on cancer patients.

Learn More About the Szent-Györgyi Prize & Previous Winners

Scenes from our 2025 Szent-Györgyi Prize Award Ceremony.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Inquiries regarding sponsorship of our Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship event can be made to Executive Director, Brian Wachtel by e-mail at Bwachtel@nfcr.org or by phone at 1-800-321-CURE (2873).

Global Summit 2026