The Albert Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research was created to honor an outstanding scientist whose research achievements have made an extraordinary contribution to the fight against cancer. It is also intended to promote public awareness of the importance of basic cancer research and to encourage the sustained investment needed to accelerate the translation of these research discoveries into new cancer treatments.

The Prize is named in memory of Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi, recipient of the 1937 Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine for his discovery of vitamin C, and co-founder of the National Foundation for Cancer Research. This Prize extends his vision of pursuing a cure for cancer through research innovation and collaboration.

Dr. Szent-Györgyi was a pioneer, and like many explorers, he challenged the conventional thinking of the day to pursue his novel and promising ideas. After winning the Nobel Prize for his study of vitamin C and cell respiration, Dr. Szent-Györgyi set his sights on finding a way to defeat cancer.

Beyond his laboratory, Dr. Szent-Györgyi was a leading advocate for developing resources to provide scientists with the financial support necessary to pursue novel cancer research ideas. In 1973, he changed the face of cancer research funding by co-founding NFCR with entrepreneur Franklin C. Salisbury. Since then, NFCR has provided more than $250 million in support of cancer research and prevention education programs.

NFCR is committed to upholding Dr. Szent-Györgyi's vision of curing cancer through innovation and collaboration. As part of this commitment, NFCR has established this Prize to honor scientists who have made extraordinary progress in cancer research and focus attention on the wide variety of endeavors toward discoveries.