George Coukos

George Coukos is a full professor at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, and serves as Director of the Department of Oncology at UNIL-CHUV. He also leads the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne and is set to direct the future Swiss Cancer Center Lausanne. He joined Lausanne in July 2012 after founding the Ovarian Cancer Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

His research focuses on cancer immunotherapy, particularly in gynecological cancers such as ovarian cancer. Key areas include understanding the tumor microenvironment, especially the vascular network, engineering chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) lymphocytes, and developing experimental mouse models of cancer. His work leverages high-throughput sequencing and molecular profiling to advance precision oncology, integrating patient genetics with clinical data for personalized treatment.

The recent publications and news items highlight a strong trend toward T cell immunity, adoptive cell therapy, and overcoming immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, such as PGE2-mediated inhibition of TIL expansion. His contributions are central to advancing clinical trials in Switzerland and Europe.

• Leenaards Prize for Scientific Research
• ERC Advanced Grant
• 2021 ESMO Prize
• Election to the National Academy of Medicine (2024)
• Doctor Honoris Causa from NKUA (2025)

George Coukos leads a broad cancer research program spanning fundamental biology to clinical research, including preclinical and phase I clinical protocols. He has secured nearly 5 million francs in research funding and is instrumental in uniting oncology research and practice in the Lake Geneva region. He mentors researchers and leads collaborative teams at UNIL-CHUV and the Ludwig Institute. His vision includes developing the Swiss Cancer Center Lausanne as a pan-institutional hub for innovation in cancer care.

He directs major research initiatives including the Swiss Cancer Center Lausanne and is a key figure in the UNIL-CHUV Department of Oncology and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne. His leadership fosters strong collaboration between research centers and clinical oncology practice, aiming to improve patient outcomes through networked, data-driven approaches.