Ira Mellman, PhD, President of Research, to receive SITC's Richard V. Smalley Memorial Award for his significant contributions to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research
PICI leaders, investigators, and collaborators contributing to more than 75 posters, presentations, and panels throughout the meeting
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), today announced that research and expertise from across its network will be showcased at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) from November 5–9 in National Harbor, Maryland. PICI leaders, investigators and collaborators are contributing to 80 posters, presentations and discussions throughout the 40th anniversary program – a significant presence that highlights the organization's commitment to accelerating the development of breakthrough immune therapies for cancer.
Notably, PICI's President of Research, Ira Mellman, PhD, will receive SITC's 2025 Richard V. Smalley Memorial Award, which is given to a recognizable luminary in the field that has significantly contributed to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research. Dr. Mellman is a distinguished cell biologist and member of the National Academy of Sciences. His pioneering work has been critical to the development of groundbreaking cancer therapies, including Tecentriq® (atezolizumab), patient-specific neo-antigen mRNA and DNA vaccines, T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies and novel immunotherapies such as tiragolumab (anti-TIGIT). Dr. Mellman will receive the award and present, "The Coming Renaissance of Cancer Immunotherapy" on Saturday, November 8th (8:05-8:55 AM ET, Potomac Ballroom).
PICI CEO Karen Knudsen, MBA, PhD, will also participate in a panel discussion, "The Momentum and Future of Cancer Research Funding" on Saturday, November 8th (12:30-1:30 PM ET, Cherry Blossom Ballroom). In the session, Dr. Knudsen will join leaders from key research funding agencies that are actively shaping the cancer research landscape to discuss sustaining momentum in cancer research and funding models to accelerate discovery and drive therapeutic breakthroughs.
"The breadth of PICI science featured at SITC this year – reflecting everything from next-gen cell therapies to applying artificial intelligence – reflects the strength of the PICI model that unites academic excellence, industry expertise, and entrepreneurial innovation," said Dr. Knudsen. "Through our investigators and portfolio companies, we are developing and accelerating access to breakthrough cancer therapies and curating innovation from discovery to commercialization, with the vision of converting all cancers to curable diseases."
Presentation Highlights from the Network
Engineering Smarter Cell Therapies
PICI investigators are redefining how engineered immune cells can safely and effectively target tumors. Through innovations like CRISPR editing, logic-gated circuits, and synthetic control of CAR and TCR activity, researchers are driving the next generation of precision cellular immunotherapies.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Driving Discovery
From tumor profiling to CAR-T optimization, AI is accelerating discovery and decision-making in immuno-oncology. PICI researchers are leveraging multimodal data and large language models to predict toxicity, design smarter therapies, and redefine how data informs innovation.
About the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driving the next generation of cancer treatment by accelerating the development of breakthrough immune therapies to turn all cancers into curable diseases. Founded in 2016 through the vision of Sean Parker, PICI unites the nation's top cancer centers into a collaborative consortium that fuels high-risk, high-reward science with shared goals, data, and infrastructure. Unlike traditional research models, PICI goes beyond discovery by actively advancing promising innovations through clinical testing, company formation and incubation, and commercialization. PICI has supported more than 1,000 investigators across its network and has a portfolio that includes 17 biotech ventures with over $4 billion raised in capital. PICI is uniquely positioned to close the gap between scientific discovery and patient access. By integrating scientific excellence with entrepreneurial execution, PICI is reimagining how cures are made and accelerating their path to the people who need them most. Learn more at www.parkerici.org.
Media Contact: info@parkerici.org
SOURCE Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy