The Cancer Research Institute (CRI), the global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the frontiers of immunotherapy to conquer all cancers, has announced the 2025 recipients of its highest scientific honors, the William B. Coley Award for Distinguished Research in Basic and Tumor Immunology and the Frederick W. Alt Award for New Discoveries in Immunology.
Alan Korman, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at BlueSphere Bio, and Aviv Regev, PhD, Head and Executive Vice President of Genentech Research and Early Development at Genentech, will jointly receive the 2025 Coley Award in recognition of their transformational contributions to immunology.
Dr. Korman is honored in the category of tumor immunology for his foundational role in the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including ipilimumab and nivolumab, therapies that have redefined the treatment landscape for metastatic melanoma and other cancers. His leadership and scientific insight have not only propelled the field of immuno-oncology forward, but also delivered lifesaving therapies to patients worldwide.
Dr. Regev is recognized in the basic immunology category for her pioneering application of single-cell genomics and computational biology to the study of the immune system. Her work has revealed new insights into the cellular diversity and dynamic behavior of immune cells, uncovering key mechanisms of immune response in health and disease. Her leadership in large-scale collaborative efforts such as the Human Cell Atlas and her innovative approaches to tumor immunology have opened promising new pathways for immunotherapy and precision medicine.
Dr. Regev will deliver the 2025 Coley Lecture at the International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference (CICON), to be held September 9-12, 2025, in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Her lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10.
In addition, Jeffrey C. Rathmell, PhD, Chair of the Ben May Department for Cancer Research and Director of the Ludwig Center at the University of Chicago, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Frederick W. Alt Award for New Discoveries in Immunology.
The Alt Award honors a former CRI postdoctoral fellow whose work has had a significant impact on the field of immunology and who has achieved excellence in academic or industry leadership.
Dr. Rathmell’s research explores the metabolic pathways that regulate immune cell function and survival, with important implications for both cancer and autoimmune disease.
“These extraordinary scientists represent the very best of cancer immunology and immunotherapy,” said Dr. Alicia Zhou, CEO of the Cancer Research Institute. “Their work is advancing not just our scientific understanding, but our ability to bring real, life-saving solutions to people facing cancer.”
The awards will be presented at CRI’s annual awards gala on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 at 6:30pm at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
