Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) today announced the following awards and appointments:

Joan Massagué Awarded Kennedy Award from the Institut d'Estudis Nord-americans (IEN)

Joan Massagué, PhD
, Director, Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI); Member, Cancer Biology & Genetics Program; Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Chair, was recently named the recipient of this year's Kennedy Award from the Institut d'Estudis Nord-americans (IEN) , a Barcelona-based foundation dedicated to strengthening cultural and academic ties between Spain and the United States. The award recognizes Dr. Massagué's outstanding academic and research career, particularly his sustained work studying the regulation of cell division, as well as his contributions to understanding and combating cancer metastasis.

Daniel A. Heller Named Gray Foundation Grant Recipient

Daniel A. Heller, PhD, is one of 16 grant recipients selected by The Gray Foundation as part of its Team Science program, which supports collaborative research focused on BRCA-related cancers. The Gray Foundation recently announced a three-year, $35 million investment to advance innovative approaches to the prevention, early detection, and interception of BRCA-associated cancers. This latest funding brings total BRCA-related philanthropic support from Mindy and Jon Gray to more than $235 million. Dr. Heller's project is among the selected research efforts aimed at accelerating discoveries that could improve outcomes for people at increased genetic risk of cancer.

Alexander Gitlin Named Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research

Alexander Gitlin, MD , PhD, Assistant Professor of Immunology, has been named a 2026 Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust . Dr. Gitlin is one of five early-career scientists selected for the program, which provides four-year grants to support innovative research aimed at accelerating progress toward a cure for cancer. Dr. Gitlin's research will explore how cell signaling controls the nature and magnitude of inflammation in normal physiology and in disease, with a focus on the intersection of inflammatory signaling and cell death pathways.

Juan C. Osorio Receives 2026 Translational Grant from the V Foundation for Cancer Research

Juan C. Osorio, MD, received a four-year, $200,000-per-year Translational Grant from the V Foundation for Cancer Research. His project focuses on developing new immunotherapy strategies for resistant tumors by engineering immune cell networks to strengthen anti-tumor responses. The V Foundation for Cancer Research is a national organization dedicated to funding game-changing cancer research and accelerating progress toward cures. Since its founding, it has supported innovative scientists and projects with the goal of improving outcomes for patients with cancer.

Robert Michael Daly Receives Notice of Award from the National Cancer Institute

Robert Michael Daly, MD, MBA, Thoracic Medical Oncologist, received a Notice of Award from the National Cancer Institute for RADIANT (Reducing ReADmissions through Innovative ApplicatioNs of Telemedicine), an NIH-funded clinical trial testing a virtual integrative medicine program to help cancer patients manage symptoms after discharge and reduce hospital readmissions. The award provides $747,660 in Year 1, with recommended five-year total costs of $3,671,943. Notably, the grant was elevated from an R01 to an R37/MERIT award - reflecting NCI's long-term confidence in Dr. Daly's research - and is eligible for up to seven years of total support.

Lisa Marie Ruppert Receives NYPH Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 2025-6 Teacher of the Year Award

Lisa Marie Ruppert, MD , Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist, received the 2025-2026 Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Teacher of the Year Award from New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She was selected by the PM&R residents for her tireless dedication and commitment to their education in cancer rehabilitation medicine, spinal cord injury medicine, and PM&R in general.

Justin O'Leary Receives Oncology Nursing Foundation Connie Henke Yarbro Excellence in Cancer Nursing Mentorship Award

Justin O'Leary, Process Improvement Engineer, Transformation Management Office, received the Oncology Nursing Foundation Connie Henke Yarbro Excellence in Cancer Nursing Mentorship Award. The award recognizes and supports excellence in the mentorship of oncology nurses and honors people who have had an exceptional influence on the professional and personal development of others through guidance, direction, and support.

MSK Members Honored with 2026 Women of Distinction Award

Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright honored 40 exceptional women at the 12th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony, recognizing people whose leadership, service, and achievements have made a lasting impact across the Upper East Side, Yorkville, and Roosevelt Island. Among this year's honorees were 10 members of the MSK community: Alexandra Heerdt, MD; Colette Owens, MD; Dana Rathkopf, MD; Carol Morris, MD; Laura Makuch; Julianna Belelieu; Robyn Walsh; Corinna Andiel; Carmen Castillo, RN; and Maria Cancio, MD. The award celebrates outstanding women whose dedication, resilience, and contributions have strengthened their professions, institutions, and communities.

Yasmin Khakoo Receives Barnard College Award for Distinction

Yasmin Khakoo, MD , FCNS, FAAN, FAAP, has been honored with the Barnard College Award for Distinction , presented by the Alumnae Association of Barnard College. Established in 1967, the award recognizes outstanding alumnae who exemplify the ideals of a liberal arts education and have achieved significant public or professional distinction and impact in their chosen fields. One of the association's highest honors, the Award for Distinction is presented to no more than two recipients each year.

Jaap Jan Boelens Receives St. Baldrick's Foundation Research Grant

Jaap Jan Boelens, MD , PhD, received a St. Baldrick's Foundation Research Grant in the organization's latest round of childhood cancer research awards. St. Baldrick's announced $10.3 million in new grants to support 28 projects at 26 institutions focused on improving treatments and finding cures for childhood cancer.