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Stand Up To Cancer Expands Its Scientific Advisory Committee

In an exciting development, Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) has recently expanded its Scientific Advisory Committee by adding new prominent members. This committee, which now comprises 30 esteemed individuals including a chair and vice-chairs, plays a crucial role in directing the organization’s research funding decisions and scientific guidance.

Founded 18 years ago, SU2C aims to transform cancer research strategies, ensuring rapid and impactful advancements in the field. The committee is a melting pot of leading cancer researchers from various disciplines and institutions, underscoring SU2C’s commitment to a diverse and expert-based approach to fighting cancer.

According to SU2C President and CEO, Dr. Julian Adams, “The cancer research landscape is vibrant and constantly evolving, providing new opportunities for—and challenges to—the kind of meaningful and rapid progress against cancer that we are committed to as an organization.” This sentiment highlights the essential function of the Scientific Advisory Committee in upholding and advancing SU2C’s legacy of supporting breakthrough science that ultimately benefits patients and their families.

New Committee Members

The recently onboarded experts include:

• - Adrian Bot, MD, PhD – A venture partner at RA Ventures and former chief scientific officer at Capstan Therapeutics.
• - Lisa Butterfield, PhD – A cancer immunotherapy consultant and former distinguished scientist at Merck.
• - Christina Curtis, PhD – Serving as the Senior Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Medicine, she also directs the Artificial Intelligence and Cancer Genomics at Stanford Cancer Institute.
• - Shawna Hudson, PhD – A professor and vice chair of research, she holds the Henry Rutgers Chair of Family Medicine and Community Health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Additionally, she co-chairs the SU2C Health Disparities Committee.
• - Trey Ideker, PhD – A professor at UC San Diego’s Department of Medicine, who directs the Big Data Institute at Oxford University.
• - Martin Pomper, MD, PhD – Chair of the Radiology department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
• - Trevor Pugh, PhD – A senior scientist at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and director of genomics at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research; he is also a professor at the University of Toronto.
• - Srikant Ramaswami, JD, MS – Founder of Sri Spoke Communications LLC and former senior VP and global head of Corporate Affairs at Galapagos NV.

The chair of the committee is William G. Nelson, MD, PhD, who also leads the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is joined by vice chairs John Carpten, PhD, director of City of Hope Cancer Center, and Arnold Levine, PhD, an emeritus professor at the Institute for Advanced Study.

About Stand Up To Cancer

SU2C's mission is not only to raise awareness but also to fund research that detects and treats cancer, with the ultimate goal of curing all patients. Founded in 2008, the organization was created by leaders in the media and entertainment sectors, utilizing their resources to foster public engagement and facilitate a collaborative model of cancer research. As of April 2025, SU2C has involved over 3,100 scientists across more than 210 institutions within its funded research projects.

The scientific endeavors of SU2C are supported by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), which serves as a scientific partner. Their comprehensive review processes help to identify the most promising research proposals for funding, ensuring a thorough oversight of grant administration and research progress.

The Founders and Advisors Committee of SU2C includes notable figures such as Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, and Kathleen Lobb, who inspire and support the initiative with their extensive networks and influence.

For further details about Stand Up To Cancer, visit StandUpToCancer.org. Connect with them on various social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.

In conclusion, the addition of these new members to the Scientific Advisory Committee not only strengthens SU2C’s operational capabilities but also reflects its continued commitment to fighting cancer through innovative research and collaborative efforts.