Clarivate Analytics has released the most influential researcher list for 2018, which identifies exceptional researchers whose highly cited work is among the top 1% in their field around the world.
Five scientists on the list are helping Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) advance the world’s understanding of neuroendocrine tumors in search of improved treatments. The Boston-based nonprofit says it counts on elite, world-class scientific minds to accelerate progress in this rare cancer type, which is commonly overlooked for funding.
“Our understanding of neuroendocrine tumors lags behind other cancer types,” said Elyse Gellerman, NETRF Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to work with these internationally recognized experts to search for cures and better treatments for NETs.”
The heavy hitters associated with NETRF weren’t always interested in neuroendocrine tumors. They have expertise in lung, leukemia, and other cancer types. But NETRF hopes to leverage their knowledge to shine a light on NETs.
“We intentionally draw leading scientists from around the world with talented staff and technologically advanced laboratories to study neuroendocrine tumors,” said Effie Tzameli, PhD, NETRF Director of Research. “There’s a lot of progress to be made and this is how we can make an impact.”
Hans Clevers, MD, PhD, recognized for his influence in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Science, Netherlands. A pioneer who mastered the creation of miniature human organs or organoids in Petri dishes, Dr. Clevers is the principal investigator for a NETRF Accelerator Award, a multi-year $1.2 million grant, to create laboratory models of neuroendocrine tumors upon which new drugs can be tested.
Matthew Meyerson, MD, PhD, recognized for his influence in two fields, in Clinical Medicine and in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Broad Institute, U.S.Famed for making a pivotal genomic discovery of the EGFR mutation in lung cancer, Dr. Meyerson is a principal investigator for a NETRF Accelerator Award aimed at identifying genomic and epigenetic causes of small intestinal NETs.
Carl June, MD, recognized for his influence in Clinical Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, U.S.Considered one of the founders of the revolutionary CAR T-cell therapy recently approved in blood cancer, Dr. June was one of a team of investigators at the University of Pennsylvania who looked at applying this personalized immunotherapy to NETs.
Bradley Bernstein, MD, PhD, recognized for his influence in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, U.S. An innovator of new approaches in mapping chromatin to study how cells become cancerous, Dr. Bernstein, was co-investigator of a 2015 study to evaluate the epigenetic drivers of neuroendocrine tumors.
Board of Scientific Advisors
Todd Golub, MD, recognized for his influence in two fields, in Clinical Medicine and in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Broad Institute, U.S.A researcher who made fundamental discoveries in the discovery and classification of human cancers using gene expression analysis, As a past NETRF Scientific Advisor, Dr. Golub helped shape the research agenda for NETRF and review grant applications as a member of the NETRF Board of Scientific Advisors.
“The NETRF Board of Scientific Advisors is pivotal in helping the Foundation identify and fund the most promising grant proposals,” said Effie Tzameli, PhD, NETRF director of research. “The Foundation brings together truly exceptional scientists to shed light on this under-resourced, uncommon cancer.”
“NETRF is grateful to the many donors whose private support allows us to fund world-renowned scientists who are collectively moving the NET field closer to a cure,” said Gellerman.