Takeda and Nature have named Dr. Myriam Chalabi, M.D., Ph.D., of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, as the grand prize winner of the 2026 Innovators in Science Award. The announcement was made at a gala event in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 9, where leaders from the global life sciences community, academia, and non-profit organizations gathered. Dr. Chalabi received $250,000 in unrestricted funds in recognition of her groundbreaking research.
Launched in 2016, the Innovators in Science Award honors emerging scientific leaders whose work advances discovery and has the potential to transform lives. Dr. Chalabi was selected by an independent judging panel convened by Nature Awards from nine finalists across three therapeutic areas: Gastrointestinal and Inflammatory Diseases, Neuroscience, and Oncology. All finalists will also participate in a 12-month career development program administered by Nature to strengthen leadership, research impact, and networking skills.
Dr. Chalabi’s research has reshaped treatment pathways for patients with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) colon cancer, a biologically defined subtype of colorectal cancer. Her clinical studies demonstrated that administering immune checkpoint therapy before surgery can eliminate cancer in nearly all cases and keep patients disease-free for years, often avoiding more toxic treatments. This evidence has already influenced clinical guidelines, offering patients a safer and shorter route to long-term recovery.
Takeda’s President of R&D, Andrew Plump, emphasized that the award was designed to spotlight scientific courage and boundary-pushing innovation that can change the trajectory of human health. He noted that Dr. Chalabi’s pioneering work exemplifies the boldness and imagination required to advance oncology and improve patient outcomes. Victoria Aranda, chair of the judging panel and deputy editor at Nature, highlighted Dr. Chalabi’s significant contributions to neoadjuvant immunotherapy and her role in shaping colorectal cancer treatment. She added that the career development program would further support the professional growth of Dr. Chalabi and her fellow awardees.
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