University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researcher Michele Carbone has been named the recipient of the 2026 Szent-Gy?rgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research by the (NFCR). The prestigious award recognizes his discovery that inherited mutations in the BAP1 gene can dramatically increase susceptibility to mesothelioma and several other cancers.
The foundation said Carbone’s work changed how mesothelioma—a rare cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen—is understood, diagnosed, treated and prevented worldwide, while also driving major public health actions in the U.S. and Turkey that have saved lives.
“There is nothing as rewarding as saving lives, telling someone, actually you, your daughter, your son, do not have to die of cancer, you probably will live till old age, and then to see them again, year after year, happy,” Carbone said. “I am incredibly fortunate that my research allowed me to do exactly that. Our research even inspired government action to protect public health in the U.S. and in Turkey. I had the fortune to work with a truly fantastic team of students, technicians, post-doctoral fellows and collaborators: Drs. Harvey Pass and Haining Yang, with whom I shared all failures and successes for almost 30 years.”
Naoto T. Ueno said the recognition reflects the global impact of Carbone’s decades of work.
“Dr. Michele Carbone’s recognition with the Szent-Gy?rgyi Prize is a proud and historic moment for the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center,” said Ueno. “His work represents the highest standard of cancer research: rigorous science that leads to landmark discovery and ultimately saves lives. By identifying inherited BAP1 mutations as a driver of mesothelioma risk, Dr. Carbone changed how we understand cancer susceptibility, prevention, and early intervention. His discoveries have protected families and communities in Hawaiʻi, the U.S., Turkey, and around the world, and they reflect the kind of global impact we strive to advance from Hawaiʻi.”
Carbone will receive the award at the NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship on October 9 in Washington, D.C.
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