ROCKVILLE, Md., July 17: The Association for Molecular Pathology, the premier global molecular diagnostic professional society, announced the recipients of its 2026 Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics, Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award and Meritorious Service Award. These prestigious honors recognize extraordinary scientific achievement, visionary leadership and sustained service that have advanced the field of molecular diagnostics and improved patient care. The awards will be presented at the AMP 2026 Annual Meeting & Expo, taking place Nov. 10-14 in Seattle.
Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics
Elaine S. Jaffe, M.D.
- NIH Distinguished Investigator, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
- Head, Hematopathology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute
Dr. Elaine S. Jaffe will receive AMP’s highest honor in recognition of her pioneering contributions to the diagnosis, classification and treatment of lymphoma and related blood cancers.
An internationally recognized leader in hematopathology, Jaffe has spent more than 50 years at the National Cancer Institute, where she established the clinical framework widely used today to classify lymphoid neoplasms. Her groundbreaking research has transformed the understanding of lymphoid malignancies, leading to the identification of new lymphoma subtypes, advances in disease biology and classification systems that continue to guide diagnosis, prognosis, research and treatment worldwide.
Jaffe has co-authored more than 800 peer-reviewed publications and ranks among the most highly cited researchers in clinical oncology. She has served as president of the Society for Hematopathology and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, and she is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. She also previously served on the American Society of Hematology’s advisory board.
Her honors include the Fred W. Stewart Award from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Mostofi Award from the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, the Henry M. Stratton Medal from the American Society of Hematology and the Distinguished Clinical Teacher Award from the NIH Fellows Committee.
Established in 1998, the Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics recognizes leaders whose scientific discoveries, technological innovations and research have transformed molecular diagnostics and significantly advanced disease diagnosis and patient care.
Jaffe will deliver a keynote lecture following her award presentation on Nov. 12 during the AMP 2026 Annual Meeting & Expo.
Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award
Laura J. Tafe, M.D.
- Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
- Director, Laboratory for Clinical Genomics and Advanced Technology , Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics
Dr. Laura J. Tafe will be recognized for more than 15 years of leadership, service and contributions to AMP and the molecular pathology community.
Tafe has held numerous leadership roles within AMP, culminating in her term as AMP president in 2023. During her presidency, she led the CEO search committee through a pivotal organizational transition and guided the association during a landmark year of policy advocacy.
As chair of the 2021 Annual Meeting Program Committee, Tafe helped lead AMP through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality scientific and educational programming.
Her extensive service also includes leadership roles on the AMP Board of Directors, the Solid Tumors Subdivision, Training and Education Committee, the Gene Fusions Working Group, the Lung Biomarker Guideline Expert Panel and the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics Editorial Board, reflecting her longstanding commitment to advancing molecular pathology, professional education and patient care.
The Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award recognizes an AMP member whose exceptional leadership has advanced the organization’s mission and strategic goals. The award honors the late Jeffrey A. Kant, M.D., Ph.D., one of AMP’s founding members, its first president and the first recipient of the AMP Leadership Award.
Meritorious Service Award
Daniel E. Sabath, M.D., Ph.D.
- Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington
- Chief of Service, Hospital Laboratories, Harborview Medical Center
- Laboratory Director, Hematology and Coagulation Laboratories, UW Medical Center
Dr. Daniel E. Sabath will receive the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his enduring contributions to AMP and the molecular pathology community.
For more than 25 years, Sabath has served in numerous leadership roles, mentored generations of members and helped shape the profession through his dedication to scientific excellence and organizational service, including his term as AMP president in 2022.
Widely respected for his collaborative leadership, scientific expertise and commitment to AMP’s mission, Sabath has made lasting contributions to both the organization and the broader molecular diagnostics community.
The Meritorious Service Award honors AMP members whose exceptional dedication and sustained service have significantly strengthened the association, its members, and the field of molecular diagnostics.
AMP President Aaron D. Bossler, M.D., Ph.D., vice chair of molecular pathology at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, congratulated the recipients.
“It is my distinct privilege to recognize Drs. Jaffe, Tafe and Sabath with AMP’s highest honors at this year’s annual meeting,” said Bossler. “These awards represent our deep appreciation for their longstanding leadership, steadfast service and continuous commitment to advancing molecular diagnostics and improving patient care.”