In a significant development within the realm of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, Dr. Jason S. Lewis, PhD, FSNMMI, has been appointed as the Vice President-Elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) for the 2026-27 term. His appointment was officially announced at the SNMMI’s 2026 Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for the society as it continues to expand its influence in advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging sciences. Dr. Lewis’s career, distinguished by a profound commitment to both scientific innovation and educational leadership, positions him uniquely to shape the future trajectory of the society.
Dr. Lewis holds prestigious roles as the Emily Tow Chair in Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and deputy director of the Sloan Kettering Institute in New York. His extensive background embodies a fusion of rigorous scientific inquiry and clinical application, a dual focus that reflects the integral nature of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine in bridging laboratory discoveries with patient-centered therapies. At SNMMI, he aims to leverage this integration by elevating basic science visibility, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship between foundational research and its clinical deployment.
A central theme in Dr. Lewis’s vision as Vice President-Elect involves enhancing the educational landscape within SNMMI. He asserts that the society must strengthen its role as an educational powerhouse, catering to members across all career stages. By enriching educational content and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between basic scientists and clinical investigators, SNMMI can solidify its reputation as an incubator for innovative research methodologies and translational sciences that define tomorrow’s standards of precision medicine.
Dr. Lewis’s commitment extends to nurturing early-career scientists, a group vital for sustaining the momentum of innovation in nuclear medicine. He intends to create novel forums and opportunities tailored specifically for these emerging investigators, emphasizing mentorship, scientific exchange, and active participation in society initiatives. This approach ensures a dynamic generational handoff that preserves and amplifies the society’s mission to push the boundaries of molecular imaging technology and radiopharmaceutical sciences.
Tracing Dr. Lewis’s academic journey underscores the depth of his expertise. He obtained his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in chemistry from the University of Essex, followed by a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Kent. His postdoctoral research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis laid the foundation for a distinguished academic trajectory, culminating in his faculty appointment and subsequent transition to MSK, where he has consistently contributed to cutting-edge oncology imaging research.
Within SNMMI, Dr. Lewis’s involvement has been multifaceted. His tenure as secretary and treasurer over the past four years coincided with a period of strategic growth and policy development within the society. He is currently the chair of the SNMMI Task Force on Policy and Review Alignment and the SNMMI Committee on Finance. His membership spans committees encompassing radiopharmaceuticals, awards, and the Clinical Trials Network Research Committee, reflecting his broad influence and leadership across scientific, financial, and clinical dimensions of the society.
Dr. Lewis’s editorial contributions also shape the scientific discourse in nuclear medicine, notably through his role as an associate editor of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine since 2016. This position enables him to guide the dissemination of high-impact research, ensuring rigorous peer review and fostering a scholarly milieu that champions innovative molecular imaging modalities, including positron emission tomography (PET) and theranostics.
His leadership credentials extend internationally, having served as president of the World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS) and the Society of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences (SRS). These roles highlight his global influence and dedication to the advancement of molecular imaging sciences on a worldwide scale. Such leadership roles complement his recognition as a fellow in several esteemed organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and notably, the National Academy of Inventors.
Dr. Lewis’s scientific achievements have garnered numerous prestigious awards, underscoring his contributions to the nuclear medicine field. These accolades include the Paul C. Aebersold Award, the Michael J. Welch Award, and the Dr. Saul Hertz Lifetime Achievement Award from SNMMI, the ACS Glenn T. Seaborg Award for Nuclear Chemistry, and the WMIS Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement. Such recognition attests to his innovative research and leadership in developing radiopharmaceuticals and molecular imaging technologies that have clinical impact.
The 2026-27 SNMMI leadership cohort also includes Heather Jacene, MD, as president, and Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, FSNMMI, FACNM, as president-elect, all of whom share a commitment to advancing scientific discovery and clinical excellence in molecular imaging. The technologist section leadership similarly reflects leadership aimed at advancing clinical practice and technological innovation in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
At the core of SNMMI’s mission is the dedication to advancing nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, and theranostics—fields that underpin precision medicine by tailoring diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to individual patient profiles. Under the guidance of leaders like Dr. Lewis, SNMMI is poised to continue driving forward innovations that integrate diagnostic imaging with targeted treatment, enhancing clinical outcomes and expanding the possibilities of personalized medicine.
Dr. Lewis’s appointment heralds a new era at SNMMI, emphasizing synergy between molecular imaging’s scientific foundations and its clinical applications. His strategic focus on education, collaboration, and early-career engagement promises to keep the society at the forefront of medical innovation. As molecular imaging technologies evolve rapidly, the role of guiding institutions and visionary leaders becomes paramount in translating scientific breakthroughs into meaningful clinical benefits.
Driven by a mission to expand the frontiers of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine, Dr. Lewis and the SNMMI will play pivotal roles in orchestrating scientific discourse, policy development, and educational excellence. This trajectory will not only invigorate research communities but also ensure that innovations continue to translate into enhanced patient care paradigms, defining the future landscape of precision oncology and beyond.
Subject of Research: Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Article Title: Jason S. Lewis, PhD, FSNMMI, Named Vice President-Elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
News Publication Date: 2026 Annual Meeting (May 30-June 2, 2026)
Web References:
- Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: http://www.snmmi.org/
Image Credits: Courtesy of SNMMI
Keywords: Molecular imaging, Nuclear medicine, Positron emission tomography, Personalized medicine, Radiopharmaceuticals, Theranostics, Precision medicine, Oncology imaging
