Cato T. Laurencin Lifetime Research Award Given to Dr. Selwyn M. Vickers, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center President and CEO
The 2024 Cato T. Laurencin Lifetime Research Award was given to Dr. Selwyn M. Vickers during the opening ceremony of the National Medical Association’s Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. The award, named after Professor Cato T. Laurencin of the University of Connecticut, was given by Laurencin himself and is considered one of the highest honors of the W. Montague Cobb/National Medical Association Health Institute and the National Medical Association.
Vickers is a world renowned gastrointestinal surgical oncologist. He is most known for his pioneering research in pancreatic cancer treatment, co-leading the development of Minnelide, an injectable cancer medication that entered into phase 2 clinical trials. He attended Johns Hopkins University for his baccalaureate and medical degrees. He now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The Cato T. Laurencin M.D., Ph.D., Lifetime Research Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated more than 20 years of consistent, long-lasting contributions to benefit human health and to reduce heath disparities through recognized research and inquiry. The award recognizes Vickers for his research contributions, dedications to combating pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers worldwide, and his leadership in healthcare.
Laurencin is the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Connecticut. He is the first surgeon to be elected to the National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy. Laurencin was bestowed the Walsh McDermott medal, one of their oldest and highest awards. A knee and shoulder surgeon, he earned the Nicolas Andry Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor, from the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons.
Laurencin is active in mentoring and received the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) mentor award, the Beckman Award for Mentoring and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math, and Engineering Mentoring from President Obama in ceremonies at the White House.
Active in social justice and equity, Laurencin also earned the Herbert W. Nickens Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, the premier Journal in the field.
Latest UConn Today
- UConn Hosts Sustainability Summit for Northeast Higher EducationConference highlights UConn's sustainability leadership among universities and colleges in the northeast.
- National Impact for CT AHEC and its Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars from UConn HealthUST/AHEC Scholars alumni from UConn's dental and medical schools present at the National AHEC Organization Conference.
- UConn Magazine: The Good NeighborMichelle (Bussiere) Puzzo ’98 (SAH) is transforming Connecticut communities with a growing business and a simple mantra, “Just help people that say they need help”
- Five UConn Student Teams Innovate Decarbonization This Summer Through Eversource-Supported ChallengeThe winning team will receive additional funding to continue their work throughout the academic year
- Professor John Mathieu to Receive Academy of Management Organizational Behavior Lifetime Achievement AwardMathieu was nominated for the award by a team of former Ph.D. students, who contacted 30 professional acquaintances and asked them to submit recommendations to the 21,000-member Academy. While Mathieu said he is proud to see the impact of his work, he is equally excited to have mentored so many outstanding students.
- Leading with Resilience Personally and ProfessionallyMeet Resilient Administrative Program Coordinator Cassandra Keola of UConn School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine
