Pew-Stewart Scholars Program Names Five New Cancer Researchers for 2026

Five New Scholars Announced for the Pew-Stewart Scholars Program

The Pew Charitable Trusts, in collaboration with the Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust, has unveiled its 2026 class of scholars in a program dedicated to advancing cancer research. Having made an impact for thirteen years, the Pew-Stewart Scholars Program continues to attract early-career scientists committed to unraveling complexities surrounding cancer development, diagnosis, and treatment.

This year, five exemplary scientists have been selected, each poised to receive a grant over the next four years to further their groundbreaking research. As Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Pew’s senior vice president for Philadelphia and scientific advancement, states, “Each year, millions of Americans grapple with the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, but Pew-Stewart scholars offer hope for a better future.” The support provided by this program aims to foster innovative thinking and biomedical breakthroughs that can significantly enhance patient outcomes.

The distinguished researchers are:
1. Sarah Aitken, M.B.Ch.B., Ph.D. (Yale University) - Dr. Aitken will delve into how mutations emerge and contribute to the initiation and evolution of cancer, utilizing a blend of molecular biology, genomics, and image analysis.

2. Alexander Gitlin, M.D., Ph.D. (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) - His research focuses on how cell signaling regulates inflammation, particularly how these signals affect normal physiology versus disease, honing in on the link between inflammatory responses and cell death pathways.

3. Anna-Maria Globig, M.D. (Allen Institute) - With an interest in the interplay between the nervous and immune systems, Dr. Globig will explore therapeutic avenues to enhance anticancer immunity by leveraging this connection.

4. Roarke Kamber, Ph.D. (University of California, San Francisco) - Dr. Kamber aims to study how immune cells known as macrophages interact with cancer cells, seeking insights into how these interactions might be manipulated to treat tumors more effectively.

5. Ahmad Nabhan, Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley) - He intends to unravel the complex communications between stem cells and their environment, with the goal of transforming this dynamic into precise therapeutic strategies.

Helen Piwnica-Worms, Ph.D., chair of the program’s national advisory committee, expressed enthusiasm for the new scholars, saying, “For more than a decade, Pew-Stewart scholars have been at the forefront of discovery in cancer research.” She emphasized her confidence in the capabilities of this new class of scholars to continue advancing the field through their curiosity and expertise.

Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts is dedicated to utilizing data to address global issues, driving initiatives that foster progress through a balanced approach to complex challenges. As the challenges of cancer continue to affect countless lives, the Pew-Stewart Scholars Program remains committed to paving the way for innovative solutions in cancer research.

This announcement marks a significant moment in the fight against cancer, symbolizing both renewed hope for advancements in medical science and the unwavering commitment of the Pew-Stewart program to illuminate the path toward better cancer care and treatment strategies.