BioCrossroads has named Dr. D. Wade Clapp, physician-scientist and interim director of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, the recipient of the 2026 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award. Presented during the 2026 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit, the award recognizes Clapp’s distinguished career advancing scientific discovery, developing new treatments for patients, and strengthening Indiana’s life sciences research and innovation ecosystem. 

Clapp’s work exemplifies the promise of translational science: moving discoveries from the laboratory toward treatments that improve patients’ lives. His internationally recognized research on neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder associated with tumor growth and other serious health complications, has helped advance understanding of the disease and contributed to the development of effective treatments for tumors that historically had few therapeutic options. 

“Dr. Clapp represents what is possible when scientific excellence is paired with a commitment to improving lives,” said Vince Wong, CEO of BioCrossroads. “His career demonstrates how fundamental research, collaboration across disciplines, and sustained investment in people and institutions can translate into meaningful advances for patients and families. His contributions extend well beyond his own discoveries, strengthening Indiana’s research community and helping prepare the next generation of scientific leaders.” 

Established in honor of Dr. August “Gus” M. Watanabe, BioCrossroads’ founding chairman, the award recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact on Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem. Watanabe was a physician, researcher, academic leader and pharmaceutical executive whose work helped shape Indiana’s emergence as a national life sciences hub. The annual award celebrates those who carry forward that legacy through discovery, innovation, entrepreneurship and improvements in human health. 

A graduate of Hanover College and the Indiana University School of Medicine, Clapp joined Indiana University in 1991 as a physician and researcher at the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research. His career has focused on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying childhood cancers and genetic diseases, with particular emphasis on NF1. 

Working with collaborators across institutions and disciplines, Clapp helped advance research that contributed to the development of the first effective treatments for NF1-associated tumors. These advances have expanded treatment possibilities for patients and families affected by a condition that can cause tumors to develop along nerves throughout the body. 

His research illustrates the importance of connecting fundamental scientific questions with clinical needs. By investigating the molecular mechanisms that drive disease, Clapp and his collaborators have helped identify opportunities to develop targeted therapies and move promising discoveries toward clinical application. 

Clapp’s scientific contributions have earned national and international recognition, including election to the National Academy of Medicine. His work has also helped establish a foundation for continued investigation into genetic diseases and the development of new therapeutic approaches. 

Beyond his laboratory, Clapp has played a significant role in building Indiana’s capacity for biomedical research and education. 

For 17 years, he served as chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine, helping expand research, clinical training and educational opportunities while recruiting faculty and strengthening the institution’s pediatric research enterprise. He also contributed to the development of physician-scientists through leadership in medical scientist training and mentorship programs. 

In subsequent leadership roles, Clapp has continued to connect scientific discovery with opportunities for innovation and commercialization. As senior associate dean for entrepreneurial research and commercialization at the IU School of Medicine, he has helped advance efforts to translate academic research into new technologies, treatments and potential commercial opportunities. In June 2026, he was named interim director of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

These efforts reflect a broader strength of Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem: the ability to connect academic research, clinical care, industry partnerships and entrepreneurship to advance discoveries toward real-world impact. 

“Indiana’s life sciences future depends on people who can bridge research, healthcare, industry and entrepreneurship,” Wong said. “Dr. Clapp has spent his career demonstrating the value of those connections. His leadership has helped strengthen the institutions, talent and collaborative environment that make our state a place where important scientific discoveries can move closer to the patients who need them.” 

The August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award honors the enduring influence of its namesake, whose career spanned academic medicine, pharmaceutical research and executive leadership before he became the founding chairman of BioCrossroads. Watanabe helped establish the foundation for Indiana’s coordinated life sciences strategy and championed collaboration among industry, universities, healthcare organizations and government. 

Clapp joins a distinguished group of previous honorees whose contributions have advanced Indiana’s life sciences sector, including U.S. Senator Todd Young, Eli Lilly and Company Chair and CEO David A. Ricks, and Dr. Bruce Lamb. 

Through his research, mentorship and institutional leadership, Clapp embodies the spirit of the award: a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, strengthening Indiana’s life sciences community and improving lives through innovation. 

For BioCrossroads, recognizing leaders such as Clapp underscores the importance of investing in the people and partnerships that will shape the future of Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem. 

Past Watanabe Life Science Champion of the Year Recipients

• 2024 – David A. Ricks
• 2023 – Dr. Bruce Lamb
• 2022 – Nora Doherty
• 2021 – Dr. Pete Kissinger
• 2020 – Dr. Harvey Feigenbaum
• 2019 – Dr. Clem J. McDonald
• 2018 – Dr. Anantha Shekhar
• 2017 – Dr. Virginia Caine
• 2016 – John Swisher
• 2015 – Bill Eason
• 2014 – John C. Lechleiter
• 2013 – Philip S. Low
• 2012 – Lilly Endowment
• 2011 – Bill Cook
• 2010 – Dr. Dane Miller
• 2009 – Dr. Richard DiMarchi
• 2008 – Leonard Betley