UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program

10/23/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Duane Mitchell, our Innovator of the Year! 🎉

Recognized at this year's , Mitchell was honored for his outstanding work translating research discoveries into new technologies, clinical advances, and commercial opportunities.

University of Florida President Stuart Bell joined Mitchell on stage to celebrate his accomplishments and recognize the important role his discoveries play in advancing the university's research mission and creating real-world impact.

A leader in cancer immunotherapy, Mitchell is advancing new approaches to treating challenging brain cancers, including glioblastoma and pediatric brain tumors. His work has resulted in more than 25 patents, over $40 million in research funding, and the launch of iOncologi, a spinout biotech company.

Congratulations, Dr. Duane Mitchell, on this well-deserved recognition! 💡

🔗 Read more: https://news.ufl.edu/2026/10/2026-standing-innovation/



UF College of Medicine | University of Florida Health Cancer Institute | UF Research | UF Health

10/17/2026

10/15/2026

Event Details
When: Saturday, October 17th
Where: Cancer & Genetics Research Complex | 2033 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL
o The Cancer Chomp event takes place from 8am – 11am.
o 5K Check In: Opens at 7:30am, Race starts at 8:30am

10/14/2026

Join us in celebrating Maryam Rahman as our Educator of the Year award recipient! This is an honor bestowed annually upon a CNS volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to education. Read more about her work: https://bit.ly/4iieOIy

UF Health
UF College of Medicine

09/18/2026

University of Florida President Stuart Bell, Ph.D., stopped by to tour our UF College of Medicine research enterprise with Dean Brian L. Hoh, MD, MBA, and Senior Associate Dean for Research Azra Bihorac, M.D. Follow along to learn more about what drives our research momentum and where we're headed next: https://news.drgator.ufl.edu/2026/09/18/president-bell-tour/.

09/14/2026

Friends of Jaclyn is heading to national TV!!!!
This Wednesday, September 16 at 9 PM Eastern on The CW, the Great American Road Rally premieres — and our journey, our mission, and Jaclyn’s story will be highlighted across the series.

For 20 years, Jaclyn has inspired thousands of families, athletes, and supporters with her courage, her heart, and her unwavering belief that love, support, and human connection can change lives. Now, her story — and the stories of the children we met across 10 cities and 12 adoptions — will be shared on a national scale.

This is a moment for our FOJ families, our adoptees, our supporters, and everyone who believes in improving the quality of life for children battling pediatric cancer.

We’re honored, grateful, and excited for what’s ahead. FOJ Strong. The Great American Road Rally Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Heart Browser

If you’d like to support our mission, here is the link:
https://changegiving.com/donate/checkout/16c611db-bffc-4b3f-a0d4-f871110b9af8

09/02/2026

Congratulations Dr. Mitchell!!

The University of Florida has selected Duane A. Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., as the next director of the UF Health Cancer Institute, a national leader in cancer research and treatment.

Mitchell, the Phyllis Kottler Friedman Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, assumes the role Sept. 21 at a pivotal moment for the institute, which earned National Cancer Institute designation in 2023 and has experienced significant growth in recent years, with over $57 million in total cancer grants.

“Dr. Mitchell is an exceptional scientific leader whose career reflects the very best of the University of Florida’s commitment to discovery, innovation and patient impact,” said David Norton, UF’s vice president for research. “His ability to bring together researchers, clinicians and partners across disciplines has helped transform cancer research at UF. He is uniquely positioned to lead the UF Health Cancer Institute as it builds on its recent successes and pursues even greater national prominence.”

An M.D.-Ph.D.-trained physician-scientist, Mitchell has built an international reputation for pioneering immunotherapy approaches that harness the body’s immune system to combat cancer, particularly malignant brain tumors such as glioblastoma. His work has advanced novel cancer vaccines and other immunotherapies from laboratory discovery to human clinical trials, earning national recognition and offering new hope for patients facing some of the most aggressive forms of cancer.

Read the full story: https://go.ufl.edu/hfmu7qh

08/28/2026

📅 When: Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Where: UF Cancer & Genetics Research Complex
2033 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL

Join us on Saturday, October 17th from 8:00–11:00 a.m. at the UF Cancer & Genetics Research Complex for a morning dedicated to supporting patients, families, and our community impacted by brain and spinal cord tumors.

This family-friendly event will include:
🏃 5K Run/Walk/Roll (The Boot)
🎈 Kid Zone activities
🐴 Mini therapy horses and special guests
🐊 UF Gator Mascots
🎺 The UF Gator Band
💙 UF Health services and community resources
🎗 Brain tumor survivor recognition and support resources
…and much more!

The event is free to attend, and all proceeds support patients and families receiving brain and spinal cord tumor care at UF Health by helping provide resources such as lodging assistance, transportation support, medication assistance, and other essential needs.

🏃 5K registration is open now and will close Monday, October 12th at 11:59 p.m. Same-Day race registration will be available on the morning of the event.
For event details, 5K registration, and updates, please visit: https://Neurosurgery.UFL.edu/CancerChomp and check out the PSA from TV20/WCJB: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay_XqA8PBvk