Driving Diversity in Cancer Research – Insights from Dr. William Pao and Dr. Lillian L. Siu

In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, host Mitch Stoller, Chief Philanthropic Officer at the AACR, speaks with Dr. William Pao and Dr. Lillian L. Siu, two esteemed members of the AACR Asian/Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Task Force. Dr. Pao and Dr. Siu are at the forefront of promoting the contributions of AANHPI scientists and fostering greater diversity in cancer research and leadership. They discuss the groundbreaking work of the Task Force, the significant impact of AANHPI contributions to the field of oncology, and the importance of diversity in cancer research.

Dr. Pao, as the chair of the AACR’s AANHPI Task Force, shares the main objectives of the task force and how it aims to enhance the visibility and contributions of AANHPI scientists in cancer research.

Dr. Siu, AACR President-Elect, 2024-2024, is a member of the task force and a leader in drug development, explains how the task force plans to support and mentor upcoming AANHPI researchers.

Both guests emphasize the importance of having a diverse leadership pipeline in cancer research and discuss the steps the task force is taking to develop such a pipeline.

The episode also highlights significant contributions by AANHPI scientists to cancer research, including the work of Min Chiu Li, and the impact of these contributions on advancements in cancer therapies. Dr. Siu shares her insights on innovative research areas that will significantly impact cancer treatment in the near future, while Dr. Pao explains how the task force plans to foster greater international collaboration and hold AACR meetings in Asian countries.

Guest Bios and Episode Links:

Dr. William Pao is the chair of the AACR’s AANHPI Task Force and leads initiatives to enhance the visibility and contributions of AANHPI scientists in cancer research.

Dr. Lillian L. Siu is AACR President-Elect, 2024-2025. She is a member of the AACR’s AANHPI Task Force and is renowned for her extensive background in drug development and early-phase clinical trials.

For more information about the initiatives discussed and how you can support the advancement of cancer research, please visit aacr.org.

To our listeners and followers:

Your engagement and support help propel the AACR’s mission forward. Please consider subscribing to our podcast, sharing this episode, and visiting AACR.org to learn how you can contribute to lifesaving cancer research. Every action counts in our collective effort to make a difference.

Thank you for listening to Believe in Progress. Stories like those shared by Dr. Pao and Dr. Siu remind us that progress isn’t just about scientific advances; it’s about the people and lives they touch.

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Remember:

Supporting cancer research is crucial—every donation helps. Visit AACR.org to learn more and AACR.org/Donate to contribute to lifesaving research today. Let’s continue to work together towards a world free from cancer.

Cancer Research Saves Lives®

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This episode is produced by CollegeCast LLC.