The following are brief descriptions and nomination requirements for the SITC Annual Awards and Academy of Immuno-Oncology. Nominations must be submitted by May 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.* Annual Award reviewers, Executive Council Nominating Subcommittee members and Board of Directors members are ineligible to receive SITC’s Annual Awards.

Submit Your Nominations
 
*Nominations can also be emailed to the SITC Executive Office at SITCExecOffice@sitcancer.org.


Annual Awards

View Past Recipients

2027 Richard V. Smalley Memorial Award and Lectureship

SITC Lifetime Achievement Award

Established in 2005, the Richard V. Smalley Memorial Award and Lectureship is presented each year to a luminary in the field that has significantly contributed to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research. It serves to honor those that have been pioneers in their work and made a notable impact worthy of high regard and recognition by their peers.

Selection Criteria

Recipient should be considered a “luminary” in the field and have significantly contributed to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research. Society membership is not a requirement to receive this award. 

Nomination Requirements

Along with name of nominee, nominator must provide one nomination letter (2 page limit) and the nominee’s CV. See more information including previous winners of the Smalley Award here.

This nominated award recognizes an outstanding SITC member or collaborator who has made significant impact on SITC’s development and mission.

Selection Criteria

  • Nominee has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the science and application of cancer immunotherapy 
  • Nominee’s service and/or leadership has made a significant impact on SITC’s development and mission
  • Nominee’s contributions can include program development, service, leadership, mentorship and/or advocacy within SITC

Nomination Requirements

Nominator should supply one letter (2 page limit) and the nominee's CV. The nomination letter should address how the nominee impacted SITC's mission using the criteria listed. 

Tara Withington Public Service Award

Pedro J. Romero Service to JITC Award

Awarded to an individual or group who fosters and enhances the field through any of the following: increasing public understanding, awareness, research efforts and/or funding. This award is not intended to acknowledge an individual's or group's scientific contributions. Distinct from the SITC Lifetime Achievement Award, this award honors an individual's or group's effort in public service promoting cancer immunotherapy. 

Selection Criteria

Candidates for the Tara Withington Public Service Award should have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment in meeting any of the following selection criteria:

  • Increased the public's understanding and fostered awareness of cancer immunotherapy through innovation and communication to the public, and encouraged others to follow suit
  • Advocated for and championed progress in the field of cancer immunotherapy 
  • Promoted the engagement of the public in outreach, advocacy and promotion of cancer immunotherapy 
  • Contributed to the development of cancer immunotherapy policies and their support 
  • Influenced and encouraged the next generation of cancer immunotherapy scientists and clinicians 
  • Encouraged and facilitated collaboration between entities in the cancer immunotherapy field

Along with name of nominee, nominator must provide a brief description (2 page limit) that includes a description of the nominee's public service to the field of cancer immunotherapy. Please specifically comment on how the nominee met one or more of the criteria listed. 

Nomination Requirements

This nominated award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) — the official journal of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer.

Selection Criteria

Along with name of nominee, nominator must provide a brief description (2 page limit) of their service to the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC).

Nomination Requirements

Recipient has significantly contributed to the advancement of the journal and its aims through their distinguished record of service, leadership, and/or collaboration. Society membership is not a requirement to receive this award.

View Past Recipients

The Academy of Immuno-Oncology recognizes individuals who have made seminal contributions that advance the field of cancer immunotherapy for the benefit of patients. Contributions from Academy members span basic discovery, translational research, clinical application, and impact on regulatory science and manufacturing, among other areas.

Selection Criteria

  • Actively serving FAIO Committee members or Board members will not be eligible for nomination. After members rotate off the Committee or Board, they may be considered for nomination. SITC Staff will notify nominators if this is the case.
  • Fellows should commit to attending the induction ceremony event held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting to be eligible to receive the award. SITC 2026 will take place on Nov. 4–8, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, AZ.
  • Work setting is not a limiting factor for the FAIO, all those who are a part of academia, industry, other, etc. are eligible.
  • SITC membership is not a requirement for nominees.
  • The FAIO Committee may opt to honor one posthumous awardee with each class.
  • Inducted Fellows of the Academy of IO will be called upon to help in the selection of subsequent classes of inductees.

Nomination Requirements

Along with name of nominee, nominator must provide one nomination letter (2 page limit) and the nominee's CV. See more information including current Fellows of the Academy of Immuno-Oncology here.