Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) today announced that Kenneth Offit, MD, MPH, and Ross L. Levine, MD, have been elected as Fellows of the AACR Academy, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Election to the AACR Academy recognizes extraordinary scientists whose work has made a profound and lasting impact on cancer research. Drs. Offit and Levine join 18 Fellows of the AACR Academy from MSK previously elected over the course of the program's 13-year history.

Dr. Offit was elected for trailblazing research in hereditary cancer genetics, including the discovery of BRCA2 mutations in Ashkenazi Jewish populations, which led to the first genome-wide association study linking BRCA2 to breast cancer risk. His work further identified recurrent APC, BLM, and MSH2 gene mutations in colon cancer, helping to shape modern approaches to inherited cancer risk stratification, prevention, and early detection.

Dr. Levine was elected for groundbreaking contributions to defining the molecular biology of myeloid malignancies, including the discovery of key driver mutations, characterization of oncogenic signaling pathways such as JAK-STAT, and investigation of epigenetic mechanisms that influence disease progression in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Previously elected Fellows from MSK include: the late José Baselga, MD, PhD; the late Bayard Clarkson, MD; Luis Diaz Jr., MD; the late Jimmie C. Holland, PhD; Maria Jasin, PhD; Thomas J. Kelly, MD, PhD; Scott W. Lowe, PhD; the late Paul A. Marks, MD; Joan Massagué, PhD; Larry Norton, MD; Luis F. Parada, PhD; Nikola P. Pavletich, PhD; Dana Pe'er, PhD; Neal Rosen, MD, PhD; Alexander Y. Rudensky, PhD; Charles L. Sawyers, MD; Craig B. Thompson, MD, and Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS.

The mission of the Fellows of the AACR Academy is to recognize and honor extraordinary scientists whose discoveries have driven significant innovation and progress in the fight against cancer. Fellows form a global brain trust of leading experts in cancer science and medicine, advancing the AACR's mission to prevent and cure all cancers through research, education, collaboration, communication, advocacy, and funding.

"Drs. Offit and Levine exemplify the depth of scientific excellence and clinical impact that define Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center," said Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS, President and CEO. "Their discoveries have transformed how we understand cancer risk, biology, and progression, and continue to shape the way patients are diagnosed, treated, and cared for worldwide. This recognition by the AACR is a testament to their enduring contributions to the field."

Fellows are nominated and elected through a rigorous, multistep, peer-reviewed process that evaluates scientific achievements and contributions to the global cancer research community. Only individuals whose work has made a profound and lasting impact on cancer research are selected.

The Class of 2026 includes 24 newly elected Fellows, bringing the total membership of the AACR Academy to 399.

CONTACT:
Rebecca Williams
[email protected]