Elham Azizi Receives 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award

By
Devyn Forcina
June 02, 2026

Dr. Elham Azizi, Herbert and Florence Irving Associate Professor of Cancer Data Research (IICD, HICCC) and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award, recognizing her as one of the nation’s most promising young leaders in oncology and cancer research.

Hosted by the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC), the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA), Swim Across America, ONCare Alliance, and CancerCare, the award honors rising professionals under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions to improving the lives of individuals affected by cancer.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition. More than anything, it reflects the dedication, creativity, and passion of the students and postdocs in my lab and across our collaborations,” says Azizi. “Our work is truly a team effort, and I feel very fortunate to work alongside people who continually push ideas forward with such rigor and curiosity. This recognition motivates us to continue developing AI approaches that can deepen our understanding of cancer biology and ultimately help improve patient care.” Azizi was recognized for her impactful work and leadership in the field, joining the distinguished Class of 2026. Award recipients were celebrated at the 40 Under 40 in Cancer Cocktail Reception in Chicago on May 30, 2026.

This recognition highlights Azizi’s continued dedication to advancing cancer research, innovation, and patient care. Dr. Azizi and her lab group develop machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and statistical frameworks to uncover how tumors evolve, resist therapies, and evade the immune system. Through their research, the Azizi group bridges data-driven discovery and mechanistic understanding, advancing precision oncology through interpretable, biologically grounded machine learning and AI.