Fall 2025
By Hannah White Hannah
As Dana-Farber Cancer Institute marks a transformative year under the leadership of President and CEO and Susan Smith Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD, Impact spoke with him about the significant milestones achieved and the exciting path ahead.
Ebert stepped into his new leadership role at a pivotal moment for Dana-Farber, with plans for a new inpatient cancer hospital, major ambulatory expansion, and a rising demand for cancer care while the Institute simultaneously faced changes in federal research funding. Reflecting on his first year, Ebert shared insights into leading during a time of uncertainty. “It’s been an incredible privilege,” he remarked. “I’m proud of our agility in responding to changes in our external environment while maintaining our culture and our sense of mission.”
Soon after assuming his role, Ebert initiated an Institute-wide strategic planning process. Illustrating a commitment to maintaining culture throughout the organization, the strategic planning process engaged faculty and staff across Dana-Farber for their input to develop the plan for the future of the Institute. Ebert focused on the “big three” pillars—research, clinical, and education—as foundational to Dana-Farber’s future, specifically reaffirming Dana-Farber’s equal commitment to cancer research and clinical care while increasing the emphasis on education at all levels.
“I’m proud of our agility in responding to changes in our external environment while maintaining our culture and our sense of mission.”
Benjamin L. Ebert
Looking to the future, Ebert is focused on how to provide the best possible environment for basic, translational, and clinical research. He noted that artificial intelligence is poised to reshape oncology research, driving advancements from basic science to clinical trials. Ebert emphasized the potential of AI in transforming Dana-Farber’s future: “Our investment into artificial intelligence will influence diverse types of research and the future of clinical oncology.”
Clinically, a central component of Ebert’s strategic growth plan is the development of a new state-of-the-art cancer hospital in collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. This facility will integrate inpatient and ambulatory care, enhancing patient experiences and improving outcomes. Additionally, improving care for our pediatric oncology patients includes a proposed proton therapy facility and further developing our collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital.
Recognizing the importance of knowledge in driving innovation, Ebert also stressed that Dana-Farber is committed to expanding its educational initiatives. “A major part of the strategic plan is expanding our education efforts,” he explained. This initiative aims to enhance educational materials for our patients and opportunities to train future oncology healthcare professionals, positioning Dana-Farber as a leading source of cancer knowledge.
Ebert emphasized that philanthropy plays a crucial role in each of Dana-Farber’s initiatives, providing us with ongoing support for our greatest priorities. “Philanthropy enables us to accomplish ambitious research objectives and deliver compassionate care. Our donor community is vital for transforming our institution,” said Ebert. Now more than ever, the support of donors is essential for realizing the vision of the new cancer hospital and advancing groundbreaking research.
Ebert is clear that accessible cancer care remains at the heart of Dana-Farber’s mission: From building a network of clinics across Massachusetts and New England, to mammogram vans that offer screenings in communities that otherwise may not have immediate access to Dana-Farber-level care. “We are expanding our network of clinics and working with community partners to improve coordination of care,” said Ebert.
As Ebert looks ahead to his second year, he is excited about defining cancer care for years to come with the Future Cancer Hospital, advancing research, and expanding educational efforts. “The opportunities ahead are greater than ever, and it’s incredibly motivating to be part of this transformative journey.”