This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ross Prentice Endowed Professorship for Biostatistical Collaboration. The Prentice Endowed Professorship was established in 1998 by the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to honor the continuing service and collaborative spirit of Dr. Prentice to both institutions. The professorship is awarded to a biostatistician who works collaboratively between the UW Department of Biostatistics and the Division of Public Health Services at Fred Hutch.

The professorship enhances the University’s ability to attract and retain renowned faculty. The recipient teaches a one-quarter course in biostatistics and presents a public lecture, providing exposure to a broad audience.

The award honors Ross Prentice, who joined the faculty of the Department of Biostatistics in 1974. That same year, he also joined the clinical research team at Fred Hutch. His work in chronic disease prevention discovered an increased risk for breast cancer, heart disease and stroke among women receiving estrogen and progestin hormone therapy. This finding diverted many women from using these therapies, resulting in an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 fewer cases of breast cancer per year in the U.S.

In 2018, on the 10th anniversary of the professorship, we celebrate the many accomplishments of Professor Prentice and the Prentice Professorship holders. Of her work as a Prentice Professor, Ruth Etzioni says, “I was able to open the world of Fred Hutch science to UW students and share my research experience teaching a “transition to research” course in the PhD program. I made new connections and deepened old friendships. It was a truly enriching experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

If you would like to contribute to the Ross Prentice Endowed Professorship, please contact SPH Advancement at sphadv@ uw.edu.