The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) recently welcomed H. Timothy Hsiao, PhD, as its new Director of Scientific Affairs, where he will provide strategic leadership to advance the impact of research and innovation in radiation oncology through ASTRO’s research funding, fellowships, workshops and scientific collaborations with public and private partners.
H. Timothy Hsiao, PhD
“Timothy brings to ASTRO a rich background in scientific policy and research, including successfully implementing and leading projects for multiple federal agencies,” said ASTRO CEO Laura Thevenot. “We are excited to have him promote ASTRO’s multifaceted research agenda, which seeks to uncover new approaches and treatments in radiation oncology and cancer care.”
Past Experience
Dr. Hsiao has more than a decade of experience in science policy and research. Before joining ASTRO, he oversaw a $50 million portfolio of translational science investments as Program Director for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Hsiao has also worked in science policy for the NIH Office of the Director, small business innovation for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, and epigenetic research for the National Cancer Institute. He has received multiple awards, including competitive fellowships with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the U.S. Department of State. Dr. Hsiao holds a doctorate in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University, where he also completed a fellowship in molecular oncology.
ASTRO Programs and Partners
ASTRO supports physician scientists through a variety of programs, including multiple funding opportunities to help develop the careers of promising researchers. New fellowships launched in 2019 will provide unique research opportunities in an industry setting by pairing residents with industry partners. Individual awards with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Melanoma Research Alliance each support early-career scientists who study prostate, breast or skin cancer, respectively. ASTRO also offers seed grants to support research projects by medical residents and postdoctoral fellows in radiation oncology, cancer biology, and medical physics.
In addition, the annual ASTRO Research Workshop explores emerging topics in cancer science, such as the tumor microenvironment and precision medicine. The 2020 workshop, to be held June 4–5, will explore advances in artificial intelligence and their potential to improve cancer care.
