PHILADELPHIA — Mario R. Capecchi, PhD, will be honored for his tremendous scientific contributions, which have had a profound impact on the understanding of cancer, including his groundbreaking work in the development of gene targeting technology, with the 12th annual American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research at the AACR Annual Meeting 2015, to be held in Philadelphia, April 18-22.
Capecchi is the distinguished professor of biology and human genetics at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, an investigator with Huntsman Cancer Institute, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, and a fellow of the AACR Academy. His pioneering work in the development of gene targeting technology in the mouse has led to a revolution in our ability to study the function of cancer genes, as well as the mechanisms of cancer development.
The AACR established the Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research in 2004 to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to cancer research, either through a single scientific discovery or a body of work. These contributions, whether they have been in research, leadership, or mentorship, must have had a lasting impact on the cancer field and must have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to progress against cancer.
Capecchi will be presented with the award during the opening ceremony, Sunday, April 19, 8:15 a.m. ET, in Hall A of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.