The 2020 recipients of the prestigious Susan G. Komen^® Brinker Awards for Scientific Distinction will be recognized and will deliver their award lectures during Virtual SABCS. Established by Komen in 1992, the prestigious Brinker Awards for Scientific Distinction recognize advances in both our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer (Basic Science) – and the clinical setting (Clinical Research), which are both essential to combating the disease.

The Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Basic Science will be presented to Donald McDonnell, PhD, co-director of the Women’s Cancer Program at the Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

Dr. McDonnell is being honored for his significant contributions to breast cancer research, which have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of estrogen receptor signaling in breast cancer. His research has resulted in critical insights into the structure, function and regulation of nuclear hormone receptors and is helping to lay the foundation for the development and clinical use of novel endocrine therapies to treat Estrogen Receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer.

The Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Clinical Research will be presented to Laura Esserman, MD, MBA, professor of surgery and radiology and director of the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center at the University of California, San Francisco.

Dr. Esserman is being recognized for her seminal contributions in clinical research, which are paving the way towards more personalized approaches to breast cancer care. She has led innovative clinical trial programs, notably the I-SPY trials, which have become models to accelerate the development of safe, effective, personalized treatment, detection and prevention options and improve the delivery of clinical care for breast cancer patients.

The recipients’ lectures will be available on demand beginning Wednesday, December 9. Check the online program or mobile app for the most up-to-date Symposium schedule.

Click here to read the full press release from Susan B. Komen.