Emory University has honored Suresh S. Ramalingam with the 2025 Albert E. Levy Award for Excellence in Scientific Research, recognizing his exceptional contributions to oncology. The Levy Award is given each year to one senior and one junior faculty member at Emory in recognition of exceptional accomplishments in their respective fields. Ramalingam has been selected as the Senior Faculty honoree and will be awarded a trophy along with $2,000 in research funding.
This prestigious award was established by Edith Levy Elsas, an academic and civic activist, in honor of her father, Albert E. Levy.
Ramalingam is a professor of hematology and medical oncology, holding the Roberto C. Goizueta Chair for Cancer Research and serving as executive director of the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. As one of the nation’s top physician-scientists in oncology, his groundbreaking research on third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, particularly Osimertinib, has revolutionized treatment standards for both early-stage and advanced lung cancer. Landmark studies led by Ramalingam, including the FLAURA and LAURA trials, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, extending progression-free survival for patients and leading to multiple FDA approvals. In particular, the LAURA trial revealed a median progression-free survival of 39.1 months, compared to just 5.6 months with a placebo, marking a historic advancement for patients with stage III EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.
Ramalingam’s research has also shed light on the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, contributing to the development of new combination therapies and therapeutic targets. His prolific scholarly work includes over 340 peer-reviewed publications, more than 34,000 citations, and an h-index of 82, underscoring his profound impact in the field. He has been honored with several esteemed recognitions, including the Distinguished Cancer Scholar Award and the Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award from the National Cancer Institute.
As the leader of Winship Cancer Institute, Ramalingam has bolstered its international reputation for translational cancer research. He has spearheaded major NIH-funded projects, including Emory’s inaugural Lung Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE), solidifying Emory’s leadership in oncology research. Furthermore, Ramalingam has held over 50 national leadership positions, including chairing the Thoracic Malignancies Committee at ECOG-ACRIN and serving as the editor-in-chief of Cancer.
Ramalingam’s commitment to scientific excellence, mentorship, and collaborative research exemplifies the values Emory University seeks to promote in advancing global health and biological sciences.
