Dr. Bernard Fox honored for his lifetime contributions to cancer research

Bernard A. Fox, Ph.D., Harder Family Endowed Chair for Cancer Research and leader of the Laboratory of Molecular and Tumor Immunology, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a division of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon has been honored with the 2024 Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer Lifetime Achievement Award.

This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Fox’s extraordinary contributions to the field of immunotherapy and his lifelong dedication to advancing cancer research. Throughout his career, Dr. Fox has been steadfast in advancing innovative basic science research with the goal of rapid therapeutic development for people with cancer.

His lifelong commitment to advancing cancer research and education includes:

  • Professional and academic engagements that have helped elevate the field of immunotherapy research.
  • Leading the formation of the World Immunotherapy Council and currently serving as chair. The Council brings together scientists and fellows worldwide to advance scientific knowledge and collaboration.
  • Faculty and committee positions as a lecturer and advisor at universities and philanthropic organizations across the U.S., Europe and Asia, including the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.
  • Longtime service to the Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer, where he has served as a president and ambassador and received the 2015 Visionary/Legacy Award, 2020 Team Science Award and 2022 Tara Withington Public Service Award for fostering and enhancing the field of cancer immunotherapy through increasing public understanding, awareness and research efforts.
  • Recipient of the Onlus Bridge Award by the Melanoma Foundation in 2020 for outstanding and lifelong contributions to melanoma research.


“Working alongside Dr. Fox for over three decades has been nothing short of inspiring. His relentless dedication to advancing cancer research and immunotherapy has helped shape the field," says Walter Urba, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer, Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon, and director of cancer research, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute. "His groundbreaking work and visionary leadership at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute are a testament to his commitment to finding innovative solutions to treating cancer. Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Dr. Fox is an excellent colleague and a friend whose passion and integrity set a standard for us all.” 

Recently, Dr. Fox appeared on KATU News to talk about his Lifetime Achievement Award. He also spoke about his passion for immunotherapy, cancer vaccines and groundbreaking advances in treating and curing cancer.

About Earle A. Chiles Research Institute

Since 1993, cancer research has been the primary focus of the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, the research arm of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon. Under the leadership of Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., our team of physicians and scientists work together to improve cancer treatment methods – seamlessly joining lab research and clinical trials with patient care.  

Our main area of research is cancer immunotherapy, and with the advancements in genomic sequencing we bring together the power of immunotherapy and personalized medicine to accelerate leading-edge research and groundbreaking discoveries for patients with cancer.  

To learn more about Earle A. Chiles Research Institute: