Robert A. Winn

Robert A. Winn is an American pulmonologist who is the Cancer Center Director at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Senior Associate Dean for Cancer Research Innovation at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. His research considers the cellular mechanisms that drive the development of lung cancer. He has also investigated health disparities in cancer treatment and the development of strategies to eliminate mistrust amongst African-American communities.

Early life and education Winn was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He was the first member of his family to attend college. He started studying psychology at the University of Notre Dame, where he was supported by a football scholarship. He was encouraged to train as a physician, and completed his MD at the University of Michigan. Winn was then a fellow in pulmonary medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He became interested in lung cancer. At the time, the only treatments available were based on cisplatin, and the outcomes were not good. He researched cellular mechanisms that drive the development of lung cancer, and looked for the development of new diagnostic strategies. He moved to the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System and in 2015 was appointed Director of the University of Illinois Cancer Center.

In 2019, Winn was appointed director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Cancer Center. At the time, he was the only African-American to be director of a National Cancer Institute cancer center. Alongside his research, Winn is committed to improving equity and inclusion in oncology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Winn established "Facts & Faith Fridays", a conversation series that provided a forum for discussion between faith leaders, scientists and community members.

In 2026, Winn was appointed Cancer Center Director at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Professor in the Cancer Prevention and Control Program. He is also Senior Associate Dean for Cancer Research Innovation and Professor in the Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine of Temple University.

In partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization, Winn established a $100 million nonprofit, a workforce development award program for clinical researchers and medical students that aims to increase participation in clinical trials among underrepresented communities. The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Awards Program trains physician-investigators to more engage communities in research and allows medical students from all backgrounds to explore clinical research careers.

Winn is president elect of the Association of American Cancer Institutes, and is on the board of the American Cancer Society and LUNGevity. 2021 Association of American Cancer Institutes Cancer Health Equity Award

Selected publications