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Ajay Gopal, MD, hematologist-oncologist and lymphoma researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, has been named the recipient of the Oliver Press Award for Extraordinary Mentorship for the 2026–2028 period. Colleagues and members of the extended Fred Hutch and University of Washington community gathered Oct. 6 for a reception on the Arnold Building rooftop on the Fred Hutch campus to celebrate his contributions.
Advancing lymphoma research and care
Gopal holds the Stephen H. Petersdorf Endowed Chair in Cancer Care and is a professor in both the Clinical Research Division (CRD) at Fred Hutch and the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington. His leadership spans clinical research, cancer care and translational research across the two institutions.
He serves as director of Clinical Research for Lymphoma at Fred Hutch and recently took on the role of medical director for Clinical Research Support for the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium.
Gopal’s research focuses on developing new targeted treatments for patients with lymphoma, with particular emphasis on immunotherapeutic strategies, low-toxicity proapoptotic agents for indolent lymphomas, and safer treatment regimens for older adults with lymphoma.
Alongside these contributions to research and patient care, his nominations highlighted a defining quality: his commitment to helping others grow and succeed.
“What distinguishes Dr. Gopal is not only the depth of his knowledge, but the generosity with which he shares it,” Natasha Carrera, service line associate director, and one of the many beneficiaries of Gopal’s mentorship, wrote in her nominating letter.
Mentorship across disciplines
Nominators described a mentor whose support extends across roles and career stages, from students and fellows to nurses and staff.
“He is deeply committed to mentorship across disciplines and consistently supports not only the medical students or fellows, but the nurses and staff as well,” wrote Ling-Ling Hsieh, a lymphoma nurse and another nominator.
Others emphasized his ability to pair scientific rigor with a clear focus on patients — and to make time for those learning alongside him.
“He has an amazing dedication to rigorous methods while never losing sight of the patient he is treating and the many patients who might benefit,” said hematologist-oncologist and leukemia researcher Ryan Cassaday, MD. “He was always available to answer questions, provide constructive feedback, or offer advice.”
That generosity also means creating opportunities for junior colleagues to lead and receive recognition. As hematologist-oncologist and researcher Ryan Lynch, MD, put it: “I owe so much to him – he has foregone so much personal glory and instead [preferred] that those more junior get to present the data and take the credit.”
Carrying forward a meaningful legacy
The award honors Oliver “Ollie” W. Press, MD, PhD, the late physician-scientist, beloved colleague, passionate patient advocate and longtime research leader at Fred Hutch and the University of Washington. Press’ commitment to mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers and care providers went hand in hand with his efforts to cultivate leadership, build teams and reduce suffering from disease.
For Gopal, that legacy is personal. Cassaday reflected on the connection between the two physicians:
“Ajay was the direct beneficiary of the legendary impact made by the late Dr. Press, the namesake of this award. In many ways, it was the great mentorship that Ollie provided to Ajay that helped him develop into the incredible mentor he is now. As someone who was lucky enough to work with and learn directly from Ollie for a time, I truly appreciate how Ajay makes a point to keep his memory alive.”
Endowed through generous donations from Press’ former mentees, colleagues, patients, family and friends, the award recognizes exceptional mentors who bring enthusiasm to mentorship every day. It provides a stipend of $5,000 annually for two years and supports the continued cultivation of faculty development, team building, teaching and leadership across Fred Hutch.
The 2026 selection committee unanimously agreed that Gopal exemplifies the spirit of the award, honoring both his accomplishments as a mentor and his ongoing commitment to helping others thrive.
