The 2024 Princess Chulabhorn Award has officially been announced, recognizing American oncologist Professor Dr. Dennis J. Slamon for his groundbreaking contributions to cancer treatment.
Dr. Slamon, 77, is credited with the discovery of the HER2 gene and the development of Trastuzumab, a revolutionary targeted therapy that has transformed the prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. Currently based at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he serves in multiple leadership roles, including Executive Vice Dean for Research, Dr. Slamon’s work has saved millions of lives and advanced the frontier of precision medicine.
He will be formally honored at the official award ceremony on July 17, 2025, in Bangkok.
The Princess Chulabhorn Award Foundation honors global leaders in cancer prevention, control, and treatment. The award includes a plaque of honor and a US$50,000 prize, with recipients selected through a rigorous process led by the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), International Award Committee (IAC), and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
The award was founded in 2022 to commemorate Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana’s 65th birthday, reflecting Her Royal Highness’s lifelong dedication to cancer research and patient care. As President of the Chulabhorn Royal Academy and founder of Chulabhorn Hospital, Her Royal Highness has worked tirelessly to elevate Thailand’s cancer treatment to global standards, spanning drug development, clinical innovation, and the training of medical professionals.
A Universe of Princess Chulabhorn’s Compassion
The announcement took place at this year’s “Universe of Princess Chulabhorn’s Compassion” celebration, held on July 4th, 2025. Alongside the award announcement, the Foundation also announced the successful development of Imcranib 100, Thailand’s first locally developed targeted cancer drug using the active ingredient Imatinib, approved in May 2025.
Attendees were also invited to view Her Royal Highness’s evocative “Space Tigers” painting series, first introduced during a special interview granted on May 24th, 2024.
Blending themes from nature, science, and mythology, the works serve as both imaginative worlds and emotional mirrors. The tiger, the Princess’s signature motif, embodies strength, grace, and introspection — qualities that mirror her role as a leader in both medicine and the arts. A curated selection of merchandise featuring Her Royal Highness’s artwork, ranging from scarves and sketchbooks to framed prints, was also available at the event.
Proceeds from these items support the ongoing work of the Chulabhorn Royal Academy, allowing art to directly fund life-saving research and treatment efforts.
As Thailand expands its contributions to global health and scientific discovery, the Princess Chulabhorn Award is a reminder that the fight against cancer demands not only clinical excellence but also moral clarity and human empathy.
Teerin Julsawad