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Margaret L. Kripke Legends Award

For Promotion of Women in Cancer Science and Cancer Medicine

2009 Recipient: Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), CEO
American Association for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, PA
It is with great pleasure that we announce the selection of Dr. Margaret Foti, Chief Executive Officer, American Association for Cancer Research, as the recipient of the first Margaret Kripke Legends Award. This award recognizes an individual, male or female, who has made significant contributions to the advancement of women in cancer medicine and cancer science. Dr. Foti was chosen from a group of 24 nominees by a selection committee consisting of internal faculty and external members of the scientific community. Dr. Margaret Foti will receive her award at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center on March 25, 2009.

Nominations for the 2010 Award will be solicited in Spring 2009.

About the Margaret L. Kripke Legends Award
Women Faculty Programs at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center established this award in 2008 in honor of Margaret L. Kripke, Ph.D. for her unwavering advocacy for and promotion of women in academic medicine and science. This national award will be given each year to an individual for their ongoing sustained support and extraordinary dedication to enhancing the careers of women in cancer science and cancer medicine.

About Margaret L. Kripke
Margaret L. Kripke, Ph.D. is widely regarded as a trailblazer and role model for women in medical science, academia and executive leadership. She has supported and mentored countless colleagues, employees and trainees throughout her distinguished career. Dr. Kripke continues to serve on the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center faculty in a reduced-time capacity as special advisor to the provost. Her many accomplishments include:

  • First woman chair of an M. D. Anderson academic department, Immunology
  • Pioneering research focused on ultraviolet radiation's role in skin cancer
  • Creation of the field of photoimmunology, the study of interactions between light and the immune system
  • First woman member of the institution's management and executive committee
  • First woman to attain the title of senior vice president and, ultimately, executive vice president and chief academic officer
  • Two-time appointment by President George W. Bush to the three-person President's Cancer panel, on which she continues to serve

Dr. Kripke's well-earned reputation and legacy at M. D. Anderson and throughout the international cancer research community factored prominently in efforts to establish the award in her honor.


© 2009 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center