The inaugural Stephenson Global Prize was awarded to Dr. Frank McCormick, a pioneering scientist whose discoveries have transformed the understanding of RAS-driven cancers.

As the pinnacle recognition of innovation in pancreatic cancer research, the Stephenson Global Prize celebrates a lifetime of achievement by scientists whose discoveries have redefined the field and whose life’s work continues to inspire breakthroughs that can save lives worldwide.

It also provides essential funding to fuel progress against the world’s deadliest cancer at a time when federal funding for cancer research – already disproportionately low for pancreatic cancer – is facing an uncertain future.

A Legacy of Discovery

Frank McCormick, PhD, FRS, DSc (Hon), Professor at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and the David A. Wood Chair of Tumor Biology and Cancer Research, is being recognized with the Stephenson Global Prize for uncovering how mutations in the KRAS gene – present in more than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) – disrupt the body’s natural ability to regulate cell growth. His research has been foundational to efforts that have enabled the development of therapies targeting KRAS, a goal once thought unattainable.

Dr. McCormick is also widely credited with launching the National Cancer Institute’s RAS Initiative in 2013, an effort prioritized by Dr. Harold Varmus, Nobel Prize laureate and then–NCI Director, who invited Dr. McCormick to lead the program at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The initiative catalyzed a new wave of therapies for RAS-driven cancers, and by de-risking the pursuit of KRAS as a therapeutic target, Dr. McCormick’s leadership gave the pharmaceutical industry the confidence and scientific foundation to invest in drug discovery programs that are now delivering promising treatments to pancreatic cancer patients.

“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’re exploring new ways to target KRAS mutations and bring forward therapies that could make a real difference for patients.”

A Prize with Vision

The Stephenson Global Prize is part of a broader philanthropic vision launched by A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand, whose $150 million gift supports a range of initiatives, including the creation of the Stephenson Global Prize and the establishment of the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) in honor of their loving wife and mother, Toni Stephenson. This is the largest privately funded initiative and most prestigious award that recognizes past and current achievements that have significantly advanced pancreatic cancer research. By honoring innovative contributions in early detection, prevention, treatment, translational research, and scientific discovery, the prize celebrates researchers whose achievements embody SGPCRI’s values: innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to progress against pancreatic cancer.

“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,” said Emmet Stephenson Jr. “This prize is about investing in people who are making a difference – and giving them the freedom to pursue different ideas that might finally lead to life-saving breakthroughs.”

Dr. McCormick was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by leading cancer centers and research institutions around the world. The selection was guided by an independent advisory committee chaired by Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, a distinguished pancreatic cancer expert and senior physician-scientist at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and City of Hope, a key partner that plays a central role in advancing the mission of the prize and accelerating progress against pancreatic cancer.

“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 not only transformed our understanding, but also enabled therapies once deemed impossible. The committee recognized his contributions as truly transformative.”

Addressing a Critical Gap

Pancreatic cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. and has the lowest five-year survival rate, at just 13%. Despite its severity, federal funding for pancreatic cancer research has long lagged behind other major cancers. The Stephenson Global Prize is leading the charge in providing substantial, unrestricted support to researchers whose work has the potential 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 be awarded the Stephenson Global Prize at the upcoming AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research, to be held in Boston from Sept. 28-Oct. 1. The prize presentation and Dr. McCormick’s award lecture will take place on Sept. 30 at 10:45 a.m. ET. SGPCRI is collaborating with AACR on promotion of the Global Prize, Scholar Grants, and other SGPCRI initiatives to accelerate progress against pancreatic cancer.

“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 Dr. Margaret Foti, Chief Executive Officer of AACR. “Dr. McCormick’s research exemplifies the innovation and collaboration needed to accelerate progress against pancreatic cancer and improve outcomes for patients everywhere.”

“We are thrilled about our partnership with AACR, which has been a true catalyst in our launch year – driving the call for scholar grant applications and Stephenson Global Prize nominations from around the world,” said Jennifer Chun Kim, Executive Director of SGPCRI. “By honoring innovative contributions in early detection, prevention, treatment, translational research, and scientific discovery, the Stephenson Global Prize – awarded annually – not only celebrates transformative progress but also fuels hope and accelerates progress, inspiring researchers to persevere in their work and believe that breakthroughs are within reach.”

Visit the AACR website for more details about the conference, including information about press registration.

About the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute

The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) is dedicated to transforming the future of pancreatic cancer research through groundbreaking innovation, global collaboration and strategic funding initiatives. Established through a transformative $150 million gift from philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand, SGPCRI is committed to advancing early detection, pioneering treatments and high-impact research to improve patient outcomes. Working with leading scientists, clinicians and institutions worldwide, SGPCRI fosters collaboration to accelerate breakthroughs in the fight against one of the world’s most challenging cancers. For more information, visit us on our website or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

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