ROCKVILLE, Md.—The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has announced the 2026 recipients of its Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics, the Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award, and the Meritorious Service Award. Together, the honors recognize scientists and leaders whose work has measurably advanced molecular diagnostics and improved how patients are classified, treated, and monitored. The awards will be presented at the AMP 2026 Annual Meeting & Expo in Seattle, Nov. 10–14.
AMP’s top recognition, the Award for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics, will go to Dr. Elaine S. Jaffe of the National Cancer Institute. Over more than five decades, Jaffe helped build the clinical diagnostic framework used to classify lymphoid neoplasms, connecting molecular insights to actionable pathology workflows.
Her contributions span research that reshaped understanding of lymphoma biology, including the identification and refinement of lymphoma subtypes. This work helped translate complex molecular patterns into diagnostic categories that guide prognosis and treatment choices worldwide, supporting more consistent reporting across laboratories.
Jaffe is widely published—more than 800 peer-reviewed articles—and is among the most cited researchers in clinical oncology. She has also contributed to major scientific governance roles, including leadership within professional societies and membership in the National Academy of Medicine.
This year’s Jeffrey A. Kant Leadership Award will recognize Dr. Laura J. Tafe of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the Geisel School of Medicine. Tafe’s AMP leadership includes steering organizational strategy during a pivotal transition, as well as leading policy advocacy during a landmark year.
During the COVID-19 era, she chaired the 2021 Annual Meeting Program Committee, helping maintain high-quality scientific programming despite major operational disruptions. Her molecular pathology service spans genomic technology, guideline development, and gene fusion initiatives that influence how tests are designed and interpreted.
The Meritorious Service Award will be awarded to Dr. Daniel E. Sabath of the University of Washington. For more than 25 years, Sabath has supported AMP and the molecular pathology community through mentorship, collaboration, and sustained service, including serving as AMP president in 2022.
Sabath is recognized for advancing scientific excellence alongside institutional service, strengthening the field through guidance that promotes rigor in laboratory practice and diagnostic decision-making.
“These awards represent our deep appreciation for longstanding leadership, steadfast service, and continuous commitment to advancing molecular diagnostics and improving patient care,” said AMP President Aaron D. Bossler.
Keywords
AMP; molecular diagnostics; pathology; lymphoma; clinical genomics; leadership; biomarkers; genetic testing; guideline development; laboratory medicine
Subject of Research: Molecular diagnostics and molecular pathology (lymphoma classification, clinical genomics, laboratory leadership)
Article Title: AMP Announces 2026 Award Recipients for Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics
News Publication Date: 2026 (specific date not provided)
Web References: https://amp26.amp.org/ ; https://www.amp.org/membership/awards-grants-honors/amp-award-for-excellence-in-molecular-diagnostics/ ; https://www.amp.org/membership/awards-grants-honors/amp-leadership-award/ ; https://www.amp.org/membership/awards-grants-honors/amp-meritorious-service-award/
References: None provided
Image Credits: Not provided
