SITC Collaborates with CRI to Present the Esteemed CRI William B. Coley Award Lecture at Annual Meeting

SITC and Cancer Research Institute Join Forces

In an exciting new partnership, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) and the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) are launching an annual collaboration to enhance the discourse surrounding cancer immunotherapy. As part of this initiative, the prestigious CRI William B. Coley Award Lecture will be featured during the upcoming SITC Annual Meeting, set to take place from November 4–8, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. This initiative reflects a mutual dedication to promoting scientific excellence within the field of immuno-oncology.

The inaugural lecture is set to be delivered by Éric Vivier, DVM, PhD, a renowned pioneer in natural killer (NK) cell research and the holder of the NK Cell Chair at the Fondation Gustave Roussy. His lecture, titled 'Harnessing NK Cells in Cancer Therapies,' will provide attendees with valuable insights into innovative treatments aimed at combating cancer. Dr. Vivier’s groundbreaking work over the past three decades has been instrumental in understanding how NK cells identify and eradicate cancer cells, paving the way for the new wave of NK cell therapies that could significantly impact cancer patient outcomes.

Mary Dean, JD, CAE, the Executive Director of SITC, expressed her enthusiasm about this collaboration: "The most transformative advances in cancer immunotherapy happen when the global scientific community comes together to exchange ideas and challenge one another. We're proud to partner with CRI to bring the prestigious William B. Coley Award Lecture to the SITC Annual Meeting as a new annual tradition. Welcoming Dr. Éric Vivier as the inaugural lecturer further elevates an already exceptional scientific program and underscores our commitment to recognizing groundbreaking discoveries in cancer care."

The CRI William B. Coley Award is dedicated to acknowledging significant contributions within the field of cancer immunology. This collaboration between SITC and CRI not only enhances the visibility of this award but also emphasizes their shared commitment to advancing immuno-oncology research and education.

In addition to Dr. Vivier's presentation, SITC 2026 will host an impressive line-up of keynote speakers, including Ton Schumacher, PhD, from the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Dr. Schumacher will share his insights in a session titled 'T Cell Recognition of Human Cancer: Cracking the Code.' Furthermore, the conference will feature the recipient of the Richard V. Smalley Memorial Award and Lectureship, Dr. Catherine J. Wu from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who will present on 'Getting Off the Rollercoaster: Personalized Cancer Vaccines Come of Age.'

As one of the largest forums dedicated exclusively to the field of cancer immunotherapy, SITC 2026 is expected to draw attention from experts globally. The conference will offer an array of innovative research presentations, oral and poster abstract sessions, and numerous networking opportunities that are crucial for fostering dialogue among scientists, clinicians, and other stakeholders in the field.

The SITC Annual Meeting aims to advance the understanding and application of cancer immunotherapy through collaborative exploration of scientific findings. Following the tradition established in past meetings, this year's event will also showcase significant updates regarding major national and international research initiatives driven by academia, government, and industry.

Interested participants can access further information on registration and events on the SITC website, www.sitcancer.org/2026. This year, virtual participation will also be available, allowing professionals from around the world to join the discussions and benefit from the latest developments in cancer immunotherapy.

With the backing of the SITC’s extensive network of medical professionals and researchers, the collaboration with CRI signifies a critical step in uniting efforts towards changing the future landscape of cancer treatment. Both organizations remain committed to their missions: advancing cancer patient outcomes through the development of scientifically sound cancer immunotherapies and ultimately striving for a future where the word 'cure' becomes a reality for cancer patients everywhere.

For continuous updates about SITC initiatives, educational offerings, and resources, individuals are encouraged to follow SITC on social media platforms including X, LinkedIn, Bluesky, Facebook, and YouTube as they aim to educate and engage the community in the fight against cancer.