The University of Florida has selected Duane A. Mitchell, MD, PhD, as the next Director of the UF Health Cancer Institute.
Dr. Mitchell, the Phyllis Kottler Friedman Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, assumes the role September 21 at a pivotal moment for the institute, which earned National Cancer Institute designation in 2023 and has experienced significant growth in research funding, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary collaborations as part of UF Health, UF’s academic health center.
“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.”
Duane A. Mitchell, MD, PhD
A physician-scientist, Dr. 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.
Dr. Mitchell currently serves as Director of the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), where he has championed initiatives that connect physicians, scientists, engineers, data scientists, and community stakeholders to move promising discoveries from the laboratory to the people who need them most.
He also has served as Associate Director for Translation and Innovation at the Cancer Institute and is Co-Director of the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy.
“Dr. Mitchell understands that the future of cancer care depends on bringing together world-class science and exceptional patient care,” said Stephen Motew, MD, MHA, FACS, President and System Chief Executive Officer of UF Health. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to translate groundbreaking discoveries into innovative treatments for patients. As Director of the UF Health Cancer Institute, he will help strengthen our position as a destination for advanced cancer care while expanding access to leading-edge clinical trials and therapies for patients across Florida and beyond.”
Since arriving at UF from Duke University in 2013, Dr. Mitchell has helped build one of the nation’s premier brain tumor immunotherapy programs. Under his leadership, UF researchers have advanced groundbreaking treatments for adult and pediatric brain cancers; developed innovative cancer vaccine technologies; and established multidisciplinary teams that span laboratory research, translational science, and patient care.
“Dr. Mitchell is a visionary physician-scientist whose work exemplifies the mission of the College of Medicine to advance health through discovery, education, and patient-centered care,” said Brian L. Hoh, MD, MBA, FACS, FAHA, FAANS, Dean of the UF College of Medicine and the Folke H. Peterson Dean’s Distinguished Professor. “His pioneering research has changed the landscape of brain tumor immunotherapy, and he has been an outstanding mentor and collaborator across our academic health center. He brings an exceptional combination of scientific vision, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to training the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians. I am confident he will build on the institute’s extraordinary momentum and lead it to even greater national prominence.”
Dr. Mitchell has received continuous National Institutes of Health funding for cancer research since 2009 and has secured more than $80 million in research support as a principal investigator. He is also an inventor on more than 25 patents for cancer therapeutics.
“The UF Health Cancer Institute has tremendous momentum. Our investigators, clinicians, trainees, and staff have built a collaborative environment that is producing discoveries with the potential to improve and save lives,” Dr. Mitchell said. “I am honored to serve as Director and look forward to working with colleagues across the university and our health system to accelerate scientific advances, expand access to innovative clinical trials, and continue reducing the burden of cancer for the communities we serve.”
The appointment comes as the institute works to expand its research portfolio, promote community engagement, and impact patient success as part of its long-term goal of National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center designation. Its strategic plan emphasizes accelerating translational research; reducing cancer disparities; investing in research infrastructure; and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and cancer informatics to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Dr. Mitchell succeeds Thomas George, MD, who has served as Interim Director of the Cancer Institute since November 2025. Elizabeth Shenkman, PhD, Co-Director of the CTSI, will serve as Interim Director of that institute.
“Dr. George has devoted his career to advancing cancer research and care at the University of Florida, and we are grateful for the leadership he has provided during the past 10 months,” Dr. Norton said. “He guided the institute through an important period of transition while continuing to advance our strategic priorities and strengthen our position as a nationally recognized cancer center.”
