Andrea Califano, a world-renowned biomedical engineer and leader in systems biology, has been awarded the Stanley P. Reimann Honor Award, the highest distinction granted by the Fox Chase Cancer Center since its establishment in 1974. The recognition celebrates individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on cancer research.
“It is my privilege to present this award on behalf of our entire Fox Chase community to Dr. Califano,” said Jonathan Chernoff, MD, PhD, Director of the Cancer Center. “A pioneer in cancer genetics and cancer biology, Dr. Califano is internationally recognized for his work in the reverse engineering of gene regulatory networks and analyzing such networks to identify key tumor checkpoint modules.”
Originally from Italy, Califano has been a central figure in American biomedical science for decades. He currently serves as Clyde and Helen Wu Professor of Chemical and Systems Biology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He is also President of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub New York and Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of DarwinHealth Inc., a biotechnology company focused on precision oncology.
Califano’s research lab at Columbia has played a key role in identifying new biomarkers for the treatment of complex cancers—including glioma, leukemia, lymphoma, and prostate cancer—and in developing small-molecule compounds capable of switching off proteins that enable tumor growth. His work has led to several clinical trials, notably one involving patients with 14 different lethal and previously untreatable cancers, each analyzed individually to prioritize the most promising therapeutic options.
The award bearing Stanley P. Reimann’s name honors the legacy of the founder of the Institute for Cancer Research, which later merged with the American Oncologic Hospital to become Fox Chase. Reimann envisioned an institution not only dedicated to studying cancerous cells but also to understanding normal cellular functions in order to uncover what triggers malignancy. The honor is given to those whose careers reflect that same commitment and innovation.
Throughout his career, Califano has been the recipient of some of the most prestigious accolades in biomedical science. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association for Cancer Research, the International Society for Computational Biology, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. His awards include the Ruth Leff Siegel Award for Excellence in Pancreatic Cancer Research (2019), the NCI Outstanding Investigator Award (2015 and 2022), and the Alfred G. Knudson Award in Cancer Genetics (2023), named after a pioneering Fox Chase researcher.
Beyond his work in the lab, Califano has served as scientific editor for several peer-reviewed journals and held advisory roles with major institutions such as the Frederick National Laboratory, the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors, the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, and the MD Anderson Division of Cancer Medicine.
Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the Reimann Award has been presented to just 18 individuals—philanthropists, researchers, public health advocates, and business leaders—each united by a commitment to understand, prevent, and ultimately cure cancer. Califano now joins that distinguished group.
