Dr. Ajay Gopal, an Indian American hematologist-oncologist and lymphoma researcher at Washington University’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center, has received the Oliver Press Award for Extraordinary Mentorship for the 2026–2028 period.
The award honors Oliver “Ollie” W. Press, the late physician-scientist and longtime research leader at Fred Hutch and the University of Washington. It provides a stipend of $5,000 annually for two years and supports the continued cultivation of faculty development, team building, teaching and leadership across Fred Hutch.
The 2026 selection committee unanimously agreed that Gopal exemplifies the spirit of the award, honoring both his accomplishments as a mentor and his ongoing commitment to helping others thrive, according to a Fred Hitch release.
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Gopal holds the Stephen H. Petersdorf Endowed Chair in Cancer Care and is a professor in both the Clinical Research Division (CRD) at Fred Hutch and the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington. His leadership spans clinical research, cancer care and translational research across the two institutions.
He serves as director of Clinical Research for Lymphoma at Fred Hutch and recently took on the role of medical director for Clinical Research Support for the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium.
Dr. Gopal‘s research focuses on developing new targeted treatments for patients with lymphoma, with particular emphasis on immunotherapeutic strategies, low-toxicity proapoptotic agents for indolent lymphomas, and safer treatment regimens for older adults with lymphoma.
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Across his research areas, Dr. Gopal has authored more than 100 scientific publications and regularly presents his work at national hematology conferences.
Alongside these contributions to research and patient care, his nominations highlighted a defining quality: his commitment to helping others grow and succeed. Nominators described a mentor whose support extends across roles and career stages, from students and fellows to nurses and staff.
“What distinguishes Dr. Gopal is not only the depth of his knowledge, but the generosity with which he shares it,” Natasha Carrera, service line associate director, and one of the many beneficiaries of Gopal’s mentorship, wrote in her nominating letter.
Endowed through donations from Press’ former mentees, colleagues, patients, family and friends, the award recognizes exceptional mentors who bring enthusiasm to mentorship every day.