The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded Antoni Ribas, Chair of the CaixaResearch Institute Scientific Advisory Board, the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award 2026, recognising his lifelong dedication to advancing cancer research and treatment. 

The award honours Ribas’s pioneering contributions to immunotherapy and translational research, particularly in melanoma. His work has helped transform the treatment of this type of cancer and advance the development of new therapies for other cancers. 

Ribas is Professor of Medicine, Surgery, and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and leads the Tumor Immunology & Immunotherapy programme at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. For decades, his research has focused on understanding how the immune system interacts with tumour cells and why, in some patients, the immune system can recognise and attack a tumour, while in others, cancer cells manage to evade this immune response. 

A major focus of his work has been identifying the mechanisms underlying these responses and resistance to treatment, and translating this knowledge into new therapeutic strategies. Among his most significant contributions is the clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, treatments that block signals used by tumours to suppress the activity of immune cells. By releasing these ‘brakes’, the immune system can regain its ability to recognise and attack cancer cells. 

Throughout his career, his contributions have been recognised by numerous scientific institutions. In 2020, ESMO presented him with the Award for Translational Research for his work on immune responses to cancer. In 2026, he also received the AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research from the American Association for Cancer Research, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to melanoma biology and immunotherapy. His other honours include the William B. Coley Award in tumour immunology and the Society for Melanoma Research Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also a member of the US National Academy of Medicine. 

The ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award recognises professionals whose scientific, clinical and educational careers have made a significant and lasting contribution to oncology. It is part of the ESMO Society Awards, through which the European Society for Medical Oncology annually honours outstanding contributions to research, patient care and the advancement of the international oncology community. ESMO currently brings together more than 50,000 oncology professionals worldwide. 

Chair of the CaixaResearch Institute Scientific Advisory Board 

Antoni Ribas chairs the CaixaResearch Institute Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which advises the Board of Trustees and the Scientific Committee on the Institute’s scientific strategy. 

At the CaixaResearch Institute, we would like to congratulate Antoni Ribas on this latest recognition of his achievements. We are proud to benefit from his experience, leadership and vision as we continue to advance immunology research that generates new knowledge and brings its benefits to society. 

The ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 was presented during the opening session of ESMO Congress 2026, held on 23 October in Madrid.